In a display of political consensus and familial continuity, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially nominated Tubi Mohamed Tubi, the eldest son of the late Isiolo South MP Mohamed Tubi Bidu, as its candidate for the upcoming parliamentary by-election on February 26, 2026.
The nomination ceremony, held on Tuesday at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi’s Hustler Plaza, marks a significant step in consolidating UDA’s influence in northern Kenya’s Isiolo County.
UDA Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar Hassan personally presented the nomination certificate to the 37-year-old Tubi Mohamed Tubi, formally clearing him to contest under the party’s wheelbarrow symbol.
The event underscored themes of unity, development, and respect for local traditions in one of Kenya’s historically marginalized regions.
The Isiolo South seat became vacant following the untimely death of Hon. Mohamed Tubi Bidu on November 12, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
The late MP, elected in 2022 on a Jubilee Party ticket, was serving his first term and had previously made his mark as the inaugural Speaker of the Isiolo County Assembly from 2013 to 2017.
A seasoned public servant with a background in wildlife conservation, the elder Tubi was remembered for his dedication to environmental issues and community development in the arid constituency.
In the wake of his passing, Borana community elders unanimously endorsed his eldest son, Tubi Mohamed Tubi, as the consensus candidate to succeed him.
This traditional endorsement, backed by key local leaders including Governor Abdi Guyo and Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, paved the way for a smooth transition and effectively positioned him to run unopposed in the by-election—though the consensus is limited to this poll, leaving room for competition in the 2027 general elections.
During the nomination handover, Senator Hassan Omar conveyed President William Ruto’s deep appreciation to Isiolo’s leadership and communities for forging this unity around Tubi Mohamed Tubi.
“The Party Leader is grateful for the confidence shown in UDA and its development agenda,” Hassan stated, highlighting how the demonstrated political maturity reflects growing trust in the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to northern Kenya.
The ceremony drew prominent figures, including Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo, former Isiolo North MP Charfano Guyo Mokku (also known as Haji Charfano Mokku), Leila Mohamed Tubi, Wako Abdi Wako, UDA Director of Communications Rob Jillo, and National Elections Board official Wycliffe Nduati.
This endorsement aligns with UDA’s broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in the region by aligning with local customs and emphasizing accelerated development.
Earlier appeals by party officials, including National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, had urged elders to support Tubi Mohamed Tubi’s candidacy on the UDA ticket, framing it as a pathway to greater national influence and resource allocation.
Isiolo South, part of the vast and diverse Isiolo County, is known for its rich cultural heritage and challenges related to pastoralism, wildlife conservation, and infrastructure.
As the by-election approaches, all eyes will be on whether this consensus holds, potentially signaling UDA’s deepening roots in northern Kenya ahead of future national contests.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set a tight timeline, with campaigns running until late February 2026.
This development not only honors a political legacy but also exemplifies how traditional leadership and modern party politics can intersect to foster stability in Kenya’s evolving democratic landscape.
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