NEDP is firmly in Isiolo South by-election, Party leader Mike Sonko affirms

The National Empowerment and Development Party (NEDP) Party Leader Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has insiststed that the party has not withdrawn from the Isiolo South parliamentary by-election despite the sudden exit of its candidate, Isack Abduba Sonko's party moved to clear the air surrounding the Isiolo South parliamentary by-election in a statement issued on Friday, February 20, noting that NEDP had only become aware of its candidate’s withdrawal after an intense three-day campaign tour in the constituency. The party maintained that the decision was made by the candidate in his personal capacity and does not reflect the party position. "The position of the party is clear, NEDP did not step down, the candidate did so in his individual capacity. NEDP's resolve is clear, we do not play politics with the lives of the people of the North Eastern Region, and Kenya at large," the statement read. The clarification comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in Isiolo South, where campaigns have gained momentum ahead of the February 26 by-election. Sonko recently led a high-profile tour of the area a campaign trail that signaled the party’s determination to make inroads in the North Eastern region. During the tour which was held on February 19, Sonko addressed a large rally in Garbatulla town, where he endorsed the now-withdrawn candidate and outlined what he described as a development-focused agenda. The event drew significant crowds and was widely interpreted as a show of NEDP’s growing political influence beyond its traditional strongholds. Beyond the rallies, the tour also included a series of community initiatives aimed at addressing immediate needs. Sonko’s team donated mattresses, school uniforms, textbooks and sanitary towels to the Alhuma Orphanage Centre. They also supported the nearby Alhuma Community Mosque with prayer carpets and a public address system, while announcing plans to drill a borehole to help tackle persistent water shortages. How did Sonko react to NEDP's candidate's withdrawal? However, the campaign momentum appeared to stall abruptly following the candidate’s withdrawal, triggering speculation over the circumstances surrounding the decision.