The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has faced a fresh political setback after its candidate for the Kisa East ward seat, Abraham Isaiah Ayaya, rejected the party’s nomination and defected to the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K).
ODM had issued Ayaya with a nomination certificate on September 1, 2025, revoking an earlier nomination that had gone to Thomas Eshuya Oyolo. However, Ayaya has since clarified that he could not accept the ODM ticket as he is already a registered and committed member of DAP-K.
In a statement released on Thursday, Ayaya explained:
“Subsequently, I hereby respectfully decline the nomination certificate issued to me and dated September 1, 2025, and the name is hereby returned.”
Ayaya further said that ODM’s move came before he had reached a logical conclusion, stressing that his loyalty lies with DAP-K, where he has been a lifelong member.
This turn of events is expected to slightly shake ODM’s preparations for the November 27 by-election, which is anticipated to be hotly contested in Khwisero Constituency.
The Kisa East ward seat fell vacant under tragic circumstances after former MCA Stephen Maloba was stabbed to death in 2023 during a political event organized by Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka at Munjiti village. His death left the community in shock, and to date, residents and leaders continue to call for expedited investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
With Ayaya’s defection, DAP-K now appears better positioned to consolidate its grassroots support in the region, while ODM will have to move swiftly to realign its strategy and identify a candidate capable of reclaiming the seat.
As campaigns intensify, the by-election is set to test the influence of the two parties in Khwisero and could serve as a pointer to the shifting dynamics of Western Kenya politics.
