Jubilee party on Thursday recorded what could be a major victory for Deputy President William Ruto as he seeks to stamp authority in Northern Kenya.
Stephen Nakeno clinched Loiyangalani ward seat having garnered 1,522 votees. His closest challenger Aaron IItele of KANU came second with 1,048 votes.
The seat was previously held by a FAP candidate who lost in the polls. ODM party had also fielded Tobias Chodow in the polls but the orange party lost.
On Thursday, the Orange party had wished Chadow victory along with two others. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna had visited the Laisamis constituency to campaign for Chadow.
"We wish our candidates; Reuben Mwamure Katana (Ganda Ward Malindi in Kilifi) Mohamed Sheikh Ali (Abakaile Ward Daadab, in Garissa) and Tobias Chodow Leng’uro (Loiyangalani Ward, Laisamis in Marsabit) all the best in today’s by-elections," a tweet from the party read.
The ODM party managed to win in Abakaile ward and in Ganda. The Ganda by-election had faced controversy with Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa arrested and detained on Tuesday.
Nakeno's victory is a big boost to Deputy President William Ruto who has visited Marsabit a couple times. He's targeting to dislodge his 2022 competitors at the pastrolist community territory.
Jubilee is currently struggling with internal wrangles which have led to split. One faction dubbed Tanga Tanga supports Ruto while Kieleweke is against his presidential ambitions.
Last week, there were claims that President Uhuru Kenyatta refused to summon Jubilee MPs Parliamentary Group meeting, a claim which was dismissed by Ruto's camp.