A political showdown is brewing in Isiolo South as the children of the late MP Mohamed Tubi Bidu prepare to contest the seat he held until his death in November last year.
The by-election, scheduled for February 26, 2026, will see siblings competing on rival party tickets, setting the stage for a contest that combines clan dynamics and national political rivalries.
Tubi Mohamed Tubi will run on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, while his sister, Bina Mohamed Tubi, will represent the Jubilee Party. The late MP was elected under Jubilee in 2022, and his passing triggered the by-election.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni said the party was determined to reclaim the seat. “The seat was held by a Jubilee MP who was loyal to the party. We will do everything possible to make sure that we clinch the seat,” he said, framing the contest as both a tribute to the late legislator and a measure of Jubilee’s resilience.
UDA has moved quickly to capitalise on its growing influence in the region. Tubi Mohamed Tubi received his nomination certificate last December, after what party officials described as a consensus-driven process among local leaders.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said President William Ruto appreciated the unity shown by Isiolo residents.
“The Party Leader is grateful to the leadership and people of Isiolo for building consensus around Tubi Mohamed Tubi’s candidature and for the confidence shown in UDA,” he said.
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Clan dynamics are expected to play a decisive role in the race. Isiolo County is predominantly Borana, with the Somali community forming a minority. Bina Mohamed Tubi has questioned her brother’s local roots.
“He is originally from Isiolo Central and he was not born in the constituency. He does not even speak the native language,” she said, while emphasising her commitment to continue her father’s work.
“As the eldest daughter of the late MP, I will do everything to ensure I serve the people of Isiolo South and preserve my father’s legacy,” she added.
For Jubilee, a victory would offer a symbolic boost ahead of the 2027 general election, demonstrating that the party can still defend traditional strongholds despite defections and internal strain.
Meanwhile, UDA sees the contest as an opportunity to expand its footprint in northern Kenya, underlining the national significance of this local by-election.
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