Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have moved to reaffirm the party’s strong grip on Coast politics after clinching a decisive win over former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party in the Magarini by-election held on Thursday.
The leaders spoke during a colourful thanksgiving ceremony for the newly elected Magarini MP, Harrison Garama Kombe, held on November 28, 2025.
Led by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, the ODM leadership accused Gachagua of attempting to test ODM’s dominance in the region—only to face a resounding defeat.
“Gachagua says he listens to the ground, but when he came to Kilifi his ears must have failed him. He did not hear the people,” Governor Mung’aro said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Mung’aro, who also chairs ODM in Kilifi County, dismissed bribery allegations previously raised by Gachagua, insisting the claims were baseless.
“He said I secretly met people. Let me tell that DCP man, Rigathi Gachagua— the same razor we used in Magarini is the same one waiting in 2027,” Mung’aro declared.
Governor Abdullswamad echoed the sentiment, saying the Magarini results clearly showed that Gachagua had no foothold in Coast politics.
“It’s clear the ground spoke loudly. DCP was embarrassed,” Abdullswamad said, alongside Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.
In the by-election, ODM’s Harrison Kombe secured 17,909 votes, defeating DCP candidate Stanley Kombe, who garnered 8,907 votes.
The Magarini victory adds to ODM’s recent wins in Kasipul and Unguja, reinforcing the party’s growing momentum ahead of 2027.
