Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) suffered a significant setback when its flagbearer, Honourable Furaha Chengo Ngumbao, alias Kalama Wehu, withdrew from the Magarini parliamentary by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
The announcement, made via a statement on the party’s X account, stunned supporters, particularly Gen Z voters who viewed Kalama, a youthful aspirant, as a relatable voice in Kilifi County’s political landscape.
His exit leaves three contenders – Harrison Kombe (ODM), Stanley Kenga (UDA), and Michael Kingi (PAA) vying for the vacant seat.
Kalama, a vocal advocate for Magarini’s youth, cited personal reasons for his withdrawal but hinted at external pressures, stating, “My heart remains with the people, but circumstances demand I step aside.”
His decision follows weeks of intense campaigning at funerals and religious events, where he positioned himself as a fresh alternative to the established Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
DCP, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, had pinned hopes on Kalama to bolster its grassroots appeal in the Coast region, making his exit a blow to the party’s ambitions ahead of 2027.
The Magarini seat was declared vacant after the Supreme Court upheld the nullification of Kombe’s 2022 election due to ballot stuffing, a petition filed by Kenga. The by-election has become a battleground for regional influence, with ODM’s Governor Gideon Mung’aro rallying behind Kombe, while Senate Speaker Amason Kingi’s PAA backs Kingi.
Kenga, leveraging UDA’s national clout, has promised education reforms, resonating with Magarini’s struggling schools. Kalama’s withdrawal narrows the race, potentially consolidating votes among the remaining candidates.
Gen Z supporters expressed disappointment, stating, “Kalama was our candidate; DCP needs to provide an explanation.” Some speculate internal DCP rifts or financial constraints influenced his decision, though the party refuted similar claims in the Malava by-election.
“We respect Kalama’s choice and remain committed to Magarini,” DCP’s Secretary General Hezron Obaga said, urging supporters to stay engaged.
The by-election, one of six scheduled nationwide, tests Kenya’s political dynamics. Magarini’s challenges, poverty, poor infrastructure, and youth unemployment demand a strong voice. With Kalama out, the race intensifies, and voters await clarity on whether DCP will field a new candidate or shift strategies before the October 2 nomination deadline.