UDA’s Tubi Mohamed Wins Isiolo South By-Election, Defeats Sister in Family Showdown
His main rival, Bina Tubi of the Jubilee Party, garnered 634 votes in the poll marked by intense political and family dynamics
By : Mweru Mbugua
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Tubi Mohamed Tubi has been elected Member of Parliament for Isiolo South Constituency after securing 7,352 votes in a closely contested by-election that saw him square off against his sister
His main rival, Bina Tubi of the Jubilee Party, garnered 634 votes in the poll marked by intense political and family dynamics
The by-election was necessitated by the death of their father, Mohammed Tubi, triggering a highly charged succession battle within the influential political family
The race narrowed to a two-horse contest after National Economic Democratic Party (NEDP) candidate Isaac Fayo stepped down in favour of Tubi Mohamed, consolidating support behind the UDA candidate
Speaking after voting at Algani Polling Station, Tubi Mohamed acknowledged the unique circumstances of competing against his sibling, noting that politics often supersedes family ties
“Unajua siasa haitambui ndugu ama dada. Kuna mambo mingi kwa siasa. Kama mimi wazee ndiyo waliniekelea mkono,” he said, indicating that local elders had endorsed his candidature
Meanwhile, Bina Tubi cast her vote at Kinna Polling Station but declined to speak to the media. Her agents, however, raised concerns over the conduct of the election, alleging irregularities
“This election is a sham. We want to ask IEBC whether this is a free and fair election,” one of her agents claimed, further alleging incidents of voter bribery at Kina Primary School
Officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the electoral process met the required standards. Election officials stated that no malpractice was recorded within polling stations
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Isiolo County Commissioner David Kiprop affirmed that security was maintained throughout the exercise, from polling stations to the tallying centre, ensuring a smooth voting and counting process
Despite the high-profile sibling rivalry, the by-election recorded an estimated voter turnout of about 30 per cent, raising concerns over voter apathy in the constituency
Tubi Mohamed is now set to assume office as Isiolo South MP, marking the end of a rare and closely watched political contest between siblings
