The party associated with former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, the National Empowerment and Development Party (NEDP), has distanced itself from the withdrawal of its Isiolo South parliamentary candidate, Isack Abduba Fayo, insisting the decision was made in his personal capacity.
In a statement released on Thursday, NEDP said it had learnt of the candidate’s “apparent withdrawal” from the February 26 by-election, maintaining that the party itself had not stepped down from the race.
“The position of the party is clear, NEDP did not step down; the candidate did so in his individual capacity,” the statement read.
The development comes just two days after Sonko stormed Isiolo County in a high-energy campaign tour that saw the party rally behind Fayo and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the by-election.
On February 19, Sonko led a charged rally in Garbatulla Town, where he publicly endorsed Fayo’s candidature and outlined what he described as a people-centred development agenda for Isiolo South. Addressing enthusiastic crowds, Sonko declared that his party does not “play politics with the lives of the people of the North Eastern region,” pledging service-driven leadership.
During the visit, Sonko and his team donated mattresses, school uniforms, textbooks, sanitary towels and other essential supplies to Alhuma Orphanage Centre. The team also supported the nearby Alhuma Community Mosque with prayer carpets and a public address system, and announced plans to sink a borehole to ease water shortages.
The rally was widely seen as a show of NEDP’s growing presence in the North Eastern region, with observers noting the large turnout and heightened political activity in Garbatulla.
However, in Thursday’s statement, the party struck a firm tone, emphasising that its principles remain intact despite the unexpected withdrawal.
“Democracy is not for sale. It is not a commodity to be bought with money, manipulated by influence, or traded for short-term gain. Our voices, our votes and our future belong to the Kenyan people, not the highest bidder,” the party stated.
NEDP further declared that it stands for “integrity over intimidation, transparency over transactions, and leadership over patronage,” reiterating its commitment to the people of Isiolo South.
The abrupt turn of events has sparked political speculation, particularly given the intense campaign activity witnessed in the constituency only days earlier. As the by-election draws closer, attention now shifts to how the party and its leader, Mike Sonko, will navigate the unfolding developments in Isiolo South.
