MALINDI, Kenya—November 28, 2027—Harrison Kombe of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has reclaimed the Magarini constituency seat, securing 17,909 votes in the recent by-election. His closest rival, Stanley Karisa Kenga, garnered 8,907 votes. Voter turnout stood at 34.7% of the 80,128 registered voters, with ten candidates contesting.
Kombe’s win comes after he had previously lost the seat following a court ruling that nullified his earlier election victory. The court had cited irregularities, leaving the seat vacant and prompting the by-election.
The victory was marked by notable cross-party support. Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro expressed gratitude to President William Ruto, revealing that the UDA agreed to withdraw its candidate in favor of Kombe. Similarly, the PAA party also pulled its candidate, consolidating support for the ODM contender.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga described the win as a testament to the party’s enduring strength. She dismissed claims that ODM was disintegrating following the death of party leader Raila Odinga, asserting that the party is poised for a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections.
With this decisive win, Harrison Kombe strengthens ODM’s foothold in Kilifi, signaling a united front ahead of the next general election.
