The resounding victory of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate in Magarini in the recent repeat polls points to the party’s popularity in the Coast region.
Harrison Kombe of ODM party was declared the winner after garnering 17,909 votes in Thursday’s 27 November by-election.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Stanley Kenga came a distant second with 8,907 votes, while Ngumbao Furaha Chengo of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) secured 227 votes at third place.
ODM Youth League leaders in Mombasa said that victories in Ugunja and Kasipul further reaffirmed Kenyans’ confidence in ODM.
However, the youths have called for respect for the party’s structures and leadership, warning that internal rebellion could threaten the political movement.
The youths, led by Hamza Kombo, the youth leaders maintained that party founders and existing structures are in place to streamline communication and address arising issues.
They hailed ODM leaders Hassan Joho and current deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir for their decisive victories in the Magarini by-election, saying their leadership deserves respect.
“ODM remains a powerhouse with strong following in the coast region but that should not be taken for granted. The friction in the party is a sign of internal democracy,” Kombo said at Uhuru Garden in Mombasa during celebrations of the November 27 by-election victories.
Treasurer Hassan Mbangwe said the party demonstrated its strength, particularly in Magarini, where Harrison Kombe beat Democracy for Citizens Party Stanley Kenga by 9,001 votes, compared to a margin of 21 votes in the 2022 general election.
The leaders stressed that perceived rebellion since Raila Odinga’s death is merely internal democracy, and the party continues to support youth leadership.
They said the party’s commitment to promoting the youths is not in doubt citing the campaign success of Boyd Were in Kasipul as evidence of ODM’s assurance to young leaders.
The Mombasa Youth League praised the coastal leadership who include Joho, Nassir, and Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro for running a coordinated campaign in Magarini.
The youth leaders lauded President William Ruto for respecting ODM strongholds by not fielding UDA candidates, noting that such cooperation strengthens democracy and national unity.
“Baba Raila’s legacy lives on. We, the youth, are standing firm,” Mbangwe said.
They urged more young people to join the party, adding that ODM’s inclusive approach and faith in youth leadership should be enough evidence of the party’s democratic standpoint.
