UDA Candidate Steps Down From By-Election Race, Endorses Competitor
In a momentous political development, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has withdrawn from the planned Kisa East ward by-elections on November 27, 2025.
This comes after UDA candidate James Shiraku abandoned his campaign and proclaimed support for his Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) competitor, Joel Ongoro Otwoma.
Shiraku, who had begun campaigning for the impending by-elections, said he made the decision after consulting with the party leadership.
Shiraku told a public meeting in Kakamega County on Wednesday, November 19, that he had abandoned his political ambitions to assist his challenger, Ongoro, who has recently acquired tremendous support.
“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 said.
Mwaniaji MCA Kisa East James Shiraku ajitoa katika kinyang'anyiro cha wakilishi wadi#khwisero #uda #politics #kakamega #kakamegacounty pic.twitter.com/TmzNZaFeBt
— Amaica Media (@AmaicaMedia) November 19, 2025
Shiraku specifically stated that the move came after he spoke with Khwisero Member of Parliament Christopher Aseka, who has been campaigning for Ongoro.
With Shiraku’s departure, Ongoro is anticipated to compete against ten other candidates for the MCA seat with only seven days till election day.
Aside from Ongoro, other candidates in the Kisa East by-elections include DAP-Kenya’s Abraham Ayaya and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Aduda Okwiri.
Others include John Masetu of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Stephen Amwayi of the United Democratic Movement, and David Muchelule of the Agano Party.
ALSO READ:
- “Ruto’s Directive Saved Fuel Prices!” – Wandayi Claims Despite Public Outcry
- Ruto CSs Make Flurry Of Appointments As Attorney General Picks Governor Kilonzo
- Outrage After 25-Year-Old Man Dies In Police Custody
- ODM’s Oburu Responds To Reports Of Suspending Coalition Talks With UDA
- “Don’t Attack Public Infrastructure!” – IG Kanja Asks Kenyans, Issues Orders To Police
The by-elections aim to replace former Kisa East MCA Stephen Maloba, who died in 2023 after allegedly being stabbed at a political gathering in Khwisero, Kakamega County.
According to reports, he was stabbed by goons who tried to stop him from speaking at a political gathering. Attempts to rush him to Mbale Hospital were useless when he succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, Shiraku’s withdrawal from the race frees up UDA to focus on the Malava Parliamentary seat, which is also scheduled for election on November 27.
UDA Candidate Steps Down From By-Election Race, Endorses Competitor
