Former Parliament Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim will vie for the Garissa Township MP seat on a Wiper ticket.
A party insider told this writer that Maalim, who is Garissa Township MP Aden Duale's closest challenger opted out of ODM which, according to residents has lost popularity in Garissa County.
It is also believed Maalim chose Wiper over other parties as it enjoys support across Garissa Township- both locals and non-Somalis.
"We are confident that with Wiper party, he will be able to defeat Duale," the source said in an exclusive interview.
"Wiper enjoys supports across all tribes in Garissa town."
Maalim mid-2016 announced his bid to oust Duale from the constituency.
He has consistently questioned the lawmaker's development record.
He claims Duale focuses more on defending the corrupt Jubilee government other than promoting development in the far-flung constituency.