By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 30 December 2025 - President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has moved to consolidate its political grip on Isiolo South ahead of the 26 February 2026 by-election by handing the party ticket to Tubi Mohamed Tubi, the son of the late MP Mohamed Tubi Bidu.
The nomination, issued on Tuesday at the UDA headquarters by party Secretary-General Hassan Omar Hassan, follows weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations involving elders, senior party officials and local leaders keen to deliver the seat to the ruling party.
Tubi, 37, was accompanied by Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and former Isiolo North MP Haji Charfano Guyo Mokku, who confirmed that the younger Tubi had formally joined UDA and would be its flag bearer.
“It is now official that Tubi has joined UDA and will contest the by-election on the party’s ticket,” Mokku said.
UDA’s move comes barely three weeks after top party figures, led by National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi and Mogotio MP Reuben Bowen, openly appealed to Isiolo elders to persuade Tubi Jnr to run on the ruling party’s platform.
The elders, who wield significant influence in the constituency, had already endorsed him to succeed his father.
The late MP, elected on a Jubilee Party ticket in the 2022 General Election, died on November 12.
Shortly after his burial, elders declared that his second-born son should take up the seat in the by-election, a decision later affirmed in a wider forum that brought together professionals and women leaders.
That endorsement was backed by Governor Abdi Guyo and Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, who pledged to respect the elders’ resolution and rally behind Tubi Jnr.
Leaders, however, stressed that the consensus applies only to the by-election, leaving room for competition in the 2027 General Election.
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As part of UDA’s charm offensive in the region, Nyakundi has urged Isiolo leaders to work closely with the government, arguing that alignment with the ruling party would accelerate development and boost the region’s influence in national affairs.
He cited major infrastructure and social projects in northern Kenya, including the ongoing Isiolo–Mandera Highway, improved health facilities such as the Sololo Level Four Hospital in Marsabit County, and the appointment of leaders from Isiolo and neighbouring counties to senior government positions.
“President Ruto has shown goodwill to northern Kenya. Electing an MP on a UDA ticket will give Isiolo a stronger voice in government,” Nyakundi said during a recent community fundraiser.
Bowen said UDA would continue engaging elders and the family of the late MP, revealing plans to organise a delegation to meet President Ruto at State House.
The initiative, he noted, was coordinated with leaders from Isiolo’s rival political camps and officials of the Borana Council of Elders.
The by-election campaign is unfolding amid simmering local challenges, including rising insecurity linked to banditry and cattle rustling, as well as a leadership stalemate at the Isiolo County Assembly, where two rival groups claim legitimacy.
Sources within UDA say elders who played a key role in endorsing Tubi Jnr are expected to be among a delegation scheduled to visit State House next month, underlining the ruling party’s determination to entrench its influence in Isiolo South.
