By-election showdown: Kalonzo takes the fight to Raila in ODM strongholds
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared that his party will field candidates in several upcoming by-elections, including in constituencies long considered Raila Odinga’s strongholds, setting the stage for a political showdown.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Kalonzo confirmed that Wiper will present a candidate in the Kasipul parliamentary race in Homa Bay County, alongside contests in Magarini, Kilifi County, and Ugunja in Siaya County.
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He added that Wiper would also back aspirants in multiple ward by-elections, insisting his party has both the right and the resolve to compete in any part of the country.
“There are three, we are feuding in three of the parliamentary seats in Magarini, in Kilifi County, in Kasipul, in Homa Bay County and in Ugunja in Siaya County. And then several other MCAs,” Kalonzo said.
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His decision to contest in Kasipul, a region traditionally aligned with Raila Odinga’s ODM party, confirms his determination to expand Wiper’s influence beyond its Ukambani base.
Concerns about hostility
Kalonzo was categorical that he would personally campaign in Luo Nyanza, brushing off any concerns about hostility.
“I will go to campaign anywhere in Luo Nyanza, these are our friends, they know our history. And no amount of intimidation will come my way. I really cherish defeating both ODM and UDA in Kasipul,” he said.
The remarks set the stage for a tense contest, as Kasipul has for years been a bedrock of ODM’s political strength.
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By directly challenging Raila’s dominance, Kalonzo appears to be testing both the resilience of ODM’s support and his own ability to rally backing in regions outside Wiper’s traditional base.
Political analysts suggest the by-election could become a litmus test for Kalonzo’s national ambitions as he seeks to position Wiper as a formidable force in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
His willingness to openly challenge ODM in its heartland signals a readiness to gamble politically, even at the risk of straining relations within the Azimio coalition.
The Kasipul by-election, alongside others in Magarini and Ugunja, is expected to attract high-profile campaigns from all major parties, with ODM, UDA, and Wiper now preparing for a fierce battle for votes.
