ODM leader Raila Odinga warned Ugenya residents against embarrassing the party by backing rivals in the 2019 parliamentary by-election, emphasizing support for candidate Chris Karan. Karan, whose 2018 election was nullified by the Supreme Court over alleged malpractices, faces three opponents in the race.
Speaking at the funeral of Nairobi Kaloleni Ex Senior Chief Daudi Owino on March 1, 2019, Odinga claimed President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party deliberately omitted a candidate in Ugenya to bolster ODM's prospects. "The President's decision not to contest shows his confidence in me," Odinga stated, warning that losing the seat to opposition-backed candidates would harm ODM's credibility.
Odinga called for political unity, urging MPs, senators, and MCAs to align on key issues. He highlighted Karan's commitment to development but declined to campaign directly in Ugenya due to his role as AU special envoy. "We must speak with one voice to advance our agenda," he said.
The by-election includes David Ochieng (Movement for Growth and Democracy), Brian Omondi (Thirdway Alliance), and Daniel Juma (Grand Dream Development Party), all cleared by the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission.
