UDA Candidate Withdraws From By-Elections To Support Rival
Shiraku’s withdrawal allows UDA to focus on the Malava Parliamentary seat, which will also go to the polls on November 27.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
In a significant political move, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has decided to withdraw from the Kisa East ward by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025.
This follows UDA candidate James Shiraku’s decision to abandon his bid and throw his support behind Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) contender Joel Ongoro Otwoma.
Shiraku, who had already begun campaigning, said the decision came after consultations with party leadership.
Speaking to the public in Kakamega County on Wednesday, November 19, he explained that he stepped aside to back Ongoro, who has recently gained strong support.
Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka with UDA’s James Shiraku and MDG’s Joel Ongoro hugging each other. /THE STAR
"My name is James Shiraku. I am one of the candidates who was vying for the Kisa East seat, but now I have told Honourable Ongoro that I have agreed to support him," he stated.
He further indicated that the move was influenced by discussions with Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, who has been actively supporting Ongoro.
With Shiraku out, Ongoro will now contend with ten other candidates for the MCA seat, just a week ahead of the election.
Other contenders include Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K)’s Abraham Ayaya, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)’s Aduda Okwiri, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)’s John Masetu, UDM’s Stephen Amwayi, and Agano Party’s David Muchelule.
The by-election aims to fill the seat left vacant by former Kisa East MCA Stephen Maloba, who died in 2023 after reportedly being stabbed at a political rally in Khwisero.
Reports had indicated that he was attacked by individuals attempting to prevent him from addressing the gathering, and he later succumbed to his injuries despite being rushed to Mbale Hospital.
Shiraku’s withdrawal allows UDA to focus on the Malava Parliamentary seat, which will also go to the polls on November 27.
This development comes weeks after ODM faced a setback in Kisa East when its nominated candidate, Isaiah Abraham Ayaya, declined the ticket and returned the nomination certificate.
In a letter dated October 2 to the ODM National Elections Coordinating Committee, Ayaya thanked the party but said the nomination conflicted with his existing political affiliation.
"I write to sincerely thank the Orange Democratic Movement for reaching out to me with a view to having me run as its party candidate in the forthcoming by-elections for the member of the County Assembly for Kisa East.
"It is regrettable that the nomination certificate was drawn and issued in my name before consultations could reach their logical conclusion," he explained.
Ayaya added that he was already a registered member of DAP-K at the time ODM approached him.
