Last Updated on 28 minutes by Kariuki Mwangi

With the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) setting Kariobangi North Ward by-elections for November 27, 2025, the race to replace the late MCA Joel Munuve is heating up. The ODM Party has scheduled its party nominations for September 29, 2025 —but already, one aspirant has found himself at the center of controversy.

Reports indicate that an MCA hopeful contesting under the ODM ticket has allegedly been stealing from his employer, Mwenda’s Cocktail Bar at Utalii House in Nairobi’s CBD, to bankroll his campaigns.

Background of the Aspirant

The aspirant, born and raised in Kisumu ndogo area in Korogocho, still has deep family ties there, despite renting a one-bedroom house in Kariobangi North. His family, including two of his wives reportedly still live in Korogocho, while another woman—allegedly with a criminal record and currently on the run from police—was staying at his Kariobangi residence until recently.

Interestingly, this is not his first attempt at elective politics. IEBC records show that he contested unsuccessfully for MCA in Korogocho Ward and Dandora Ward 3 & 5 in the past two elections.

Allegations of Misconduct

Sources claim the aspirant has been under intense financial pressure to sustain his campaigns. In a desperate move, he allegedly distributed contaminated maize flour —already blacklisted by authorities for high aflatoxin levels—to a section of supporters in Kariobangi North.

His close circle also revealed that he is now a person of interest to police over past criminal activities. Some of his allies are said to be serving jail terms, and his reputation in the underground world even earned him a nickname borrowed from a prominent Nigerian businessman.

Political Pressure Mounts

As the ODM nominations draw closer, the aspirant is reportedly growing worried about losing both his job and his political bid. Some of his allies are urging him to fight on, but sources say he is contemplating stepping down before the primaries to avoid scrutiny.

With mounting allegations, a tainted track record, and police reportedly on his trail, the MCA hopeful’s political future looks increasingly uncertain.