NAIROBI, Kenya — The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secured a clean sweep in four by-elections held on February 26, reinforcing its dominance in key regions amid low voter turnout.
In Isiolo South Constituency, UDA’s Mohamed Tubi won decisively with 7,352 votes, defeating his sister Bina Mohamed of the Jubilee Party, who garnered 634 votes. Independent candidate Isaac Abduba, who had withdrawn from the race, received 44 votes.
The parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of sitting MP Mohamed Tubi Bidu, who died on November 12 last year while receiving treatment in Nairobi. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) subsequently declared the seat vacant, triggering the mini-poll.
The contest drew national attention due to the rare sibling rivalry between Tubi and Bina, both children of the late MP. Isiolo South has 22,181 registered voters, and ballots were counted across 60 polling stations.
In Embu County, UDA’s Duncan Muratia clinched the Evurore Ward seat with 7,853 votes. Albert Muchira of the Democratic Party finished second with 1,940 votes, followed by independent candidate Johnson Mukuru Mate with 1,753 votes.
In neighbouring Muminji Ward, Peterson Njeru of UDA secured victory with 3,207 votes. Boniface Kariuki of the Development Empowerment Party (DEP) placed second with 2,232 votes.
Meanwhile, in Kakamega County, UDA’s Elphas Shalakha won the West Kabras Ward seat with 3,317 votes. Bramwel Wasike Khaemba of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, came second with 2,640 votes. Other candidates trailed significantly.
Vacancies and political implications
The Isiolo South parliamentary by-election followed the death of MP Tubi Bidu, elected in the August 2022 General Election on a Jubilee Party ticket.
The MCA vacancies arose after ward representatives resigned to contest parliamentary seats in the November 27, 2025, by-elections. In Embu, Newton Kariuki (Muminji) and Duncan Mbui (Evurore) vacated their ward seats to vie for the Mbeere North Constituency. In West Kabras, David Ndakwa resigned to contest the Malava Constituency seat following the death of area MP Malulu Injendi — a race he won.
Under Articles 101 and 177 of the Constitution, by-elections must be conducted within 90 days of a vacancy in Parliament or a county assembly, except where the vacancy occurs within a year of a general election.
The IEBC has yet to release an official turnout percentage, but confirmed that results from all polling stations were tallied and verified before declaration.
For UDA, the victories signal sustained political momentum. For opposition parties, the results may prompt strategic recalibration as the electoral cycle advances.
