UDA issues 21 nomination certificates for by-elections
Politics
By
Josphat Thiong’o
| Sep 27, 2025
President William Ruto's UDA party on Friday said it had adopted a zoning strategy in collaboration with the ODM party ahead of the November 27 by-elections to avoid friendly fire.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the ruling party has made concessions to ODM in some of the elective seats, signaling the party’s intent to block the Wiper Patriotic Front and Democracy for Citizens parties, which are also fielding candidates in the mini-polls.
“Because we are now expanded and we have been cooperating with other parties under the broad-based administration, we have made concessions so that our partners in ODM can on our behalf field candidates in Ugunja, Kasipul and Magarini. We will also be fielding candidates in all 17 wards where there are by-elections in different parts of the country,” said Kindiki.
The Deputy party leader was speaking at the UDA headquarters where he handed over nomination certificates to Mbeere North MP aspirant Leonard Njeru, Malava seat aspirant David Ndakwa and Banisa constituency candidate Ahmed Maalim, who was settled down as a pact between UDA and the United Democratic Movement, which enjoys a strong following in the North Eastern region.
Kindiki also issued a certificate to Baringo senate seat aspirant Kiprono Cherubet and to another 17 MCA aspirants across various wards in the country.
READ MORE
Start-up links local consumers to discounted goods globally
How to handle Ascites disorder in most broilers
Why taxpayers will cough Sh7.3 billion for flopped Ketraco-Adani deal
Change of guard at Afreximbank as new boss vows to build on predecessor's legacy
Standard journalist Rosa Agutu wins OFAB 2025 media awards
Chinese firm, NSSF inch closer to Mau Summit road contract
Why unremitted pension contributions have hit Sh65 billion
Privatisation law sparks fears over sale of public assets, grabbing of land
Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties sign deal on joint waste management
In Ugunja and Kasipul constituencies, UDA and ODM have hammered out an arrangement where their candidates will not compete for the same seat.
Already, in Kasipul, ODM’s Boyd Were, the late MP’s son has clinched the ticket, edging out businessman Philip Aroko and Robert Riaga who had declared interest for the seat.
In Ugunja constituency, businessman Joseph Aluru, constituency manager Moses Omondi, lawyer MJ Okumu, Sam Okoyo and Chris Budo have all expressed interest in the Ugunja seat, with the ODM party expected to announce results of its primaries carried out yesterday Friday.
Party chairperson Governor Cecily Mbarire further warned the candidates against chest-thumping and engaging in divisive politics.
“After you get your certificate today, go back to the “ground” and look for votes. We are the ruling party but that is not to mean that when you go looking for votes you do with arrogance, pride and insults. That is not our brand of politics. Be humble so that we may be seen as a party that is strong but respects the people that brought us to power,” she reiterated.
The declaration by UDA, however, now pits the broad-based coalition against Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) which earlier this week declared its resolve to field 10 candidates in the elective positions in the upcoming by-elections across the country.
During the unveiling of the candidates at the party's headquarters in Karen on Wednesday, Musyoka said the party will only field candidates in three parliamentary seats and seven Member of County Assembly seats.
"We will be fielding candidates in Magarini in Kilifi county, Kasipul (Homabay) and Ugunja (Siaya)," he said.
For the Member of County Assembly seats, the party named Francis Kivuva (Narok town), Lopeyok Kiyoi Lokero Peter (Nanaam), Shem Nyanumba Makori (Ekerenyo) and James Obebo Kamand (Nyamaiya).
Others included Kavali Munyoki (Kariobangi North), Alex Obare Nyantika (Nyansiongo), and Antony Kyalo Kisoi (Mumbuni north).