Nyanza region is always considered an ODM stronghold and for years it has been difficult for other parties or independent candidates to thrive in the region.
However, those who did not find favor in the party because of a number of reasons have opted to go independent or join other parties with hopes of keeping alive their political dreams.
This year, a number of such candidates have however managed to win seats and even trounced ODM politicians in their respective races. They include;
Fatuma Muhammed
The businesswoman turned politician has made history after being elected as Migori Woman Rep on an Independent ticket. Fatuma garnered 154,538 votes beating ODM’s Ghati Denittah who got 117,591 votes.
Fatuma had initially attempted to vie for the seat in 2013 and 2017 but she wasn’t successful. She was also a member of ODM but found her way out after she was denied the ticket during party primaries in April and opted to go independently.
The elected woman Rep made headlines when she decided to sell her Kshs25 million house to fund her campaigns only for her to lose during party nominations.
Marwa Kemero Maisori Kitayama
The lawmaker has made a name for himself after getting elected in an area where ODM is predominant under a UDA ticket, a party associated with the outgoing Deputy President William Ruto.
The Kuria East MP defended his seat after garnering 15,362. His main opponent, an Independent candidate, Mwita Wilson managed to secure 10,601 votes.
David Ochieng
The Ugenya MP defended his seat on an Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) party ticket, beating ODM’s Daniel Odhiambo.
Ochieng got 25,520 votes. while Odhiambo settled for the second position with 22,928 votes.
Ochieng’ fell out with ODM in 2017 and was first elected MP in Ugenya in 2019 during a by-election.
Shakeel Shabir
He also beat the ODM wave to be re-elected as MP for Kisumu East on an Independent ticket thus defeating Nicholas Oricho who vied on an ODM ticket.
Shabir garnered 35,704 while Oricho followed him with 28,491 votes. He has been serving as MP in the area since 2007. He was also an ODM MP before he fell out with the party leadership.
Photo|Courtesy
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