The ODM party will have to work extra hard to control Wajir County after Jubilee Party-sponsored aspirants for various political seats sailed through unopposed.
Some of those handed direct nomination certificates by Jubilee are MP elected on an ODM ticket in 2013.
The party conducted peaceful primary elections with officials ready to take on the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) during the August 8 polls.
Most Jubilee aspirants according to JP County chairman Mohamed Mohamud were picked on a negotiated democracy arrangement.
According to Mohamud, weak candidates were advised to step down for aspirants deemed strong enough to take on those fielded by the opposition.
Governor Ahmed Abdullahi will be facing stiff competition from Mohamed Abdi who has been fronted by Jubilee Party.
Others in the race to unseat governor Abdullahi include Ahmed Muhumed (Party of Development and Reforms), Salah Abdi Sheikh (Third Way Alliance Party) as well as Osman Warfa (Alliance for Real Party of Kenya).
Longtime ODM MP Aden Keynan (Aldas) was handed the JP certificate to defend his seat.
Keynan will vie against Boray Arale (Ford Kenya) who is keen on unseating him.
A tight race was expected in Wajir North between incumbent Saney Abdi and Mahad Mohamud before Mr Abdi was handed the JP certificate at the eleventh hour.
In Wajir South, Ali Muktar and Muhamud Surat stepped down for Mohamed Mohamud Sheikh.
[Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi when he hosted Opposition leaders (L-R) Musalia Mudavadi, Kalonzo Musyoka and Raila Odinga in March.] the-star.com