Five years ago, a similar showdown played out during the Msambweni by-election, when Dr. Ruto, then serving as Deputy President — defied President Uhuru Kenyatta to back independent candidate Feisal Bader against ODM’s Omar Boga.
At the time, the Jubilee Party, led by President Kenyatta, chose not to field a candidate and instead supported Raila Odinga’s ODM, in line with the “Handshake” political pact between the two leaders.
Mr. Bader went on to win, a result widely seen as an early indication of the growing strength of Ruto’s “Hustler” movement and the waning influence of the ruling establishment.
This year, in the Magarini parliamentary by-election in Kilifi County, President Ruto’s UDA party pulled out of the race and threw its support behind former ODM MP Harrison Kombe, under the “Broad-based” political deal with Mr. Odinga.
That decision prompted Mr. Stanley Kenga, who had contested on a UDA ticket in the 2022 General Election and successfully challenged Mr. Kombe’s victory in court, to defect to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by Mr. Gachagua.
“This seat was previously held by Mr. Kombe; it is only fair to allow him to complete his term.
I understand Mr. Kenga was surprised not to be chosen, but the truth is that Mr. Kombe had already started his work and was midway through,” said Mr. Mung’aro.
Kilifi North MP and Deputy Majority Leader Owen Baya stated that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Pamoja African Alliance (PAA), and all parties allied to Kenya Kwanza would campaign for Mr. Kombe.
Speaking shortly after being cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest, Mr. Kenga criticized the political agreements being influenced by government leaders.
He expressed hope that the IEBC and relevant institutions would ensure transparency and protect the rights of Magarini residents.
“We are not in politics for business. I believe everyone has the right to participate in an election, whether as a voter or as a candidate. I have decided to take part in the Magarini by-election,” said Mr. Kenga.