- UDA officials in Homa Bay publicly endorsed independent candidate Philip Aroko, signalling a major political shift in Kasipul
- UDA chairman Arthur Onyango cited grievances with ODM’s nomination process, saying the party would have supported ODM if the primaries had been fair
- Aroko embraced the backing, claiming it reflects his growing influence and alignment with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Kasipul constituency has witnessed a major political shift just days ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Source: Facebook
This is after a faction of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) officials in Homa Bay county publicly endorsed independent candidate Philip Aroko.
Why did UDA party declare support for Aroko?
The move signals a significant challenge to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which has heavily campaigned for its candidate, Boyd Were.
UDA had been expected to back ODM, given their working arrangement under the broad-based working agreement.
During a rally, UDA chairman in Kasipul, Arthur Onyango Aoko, confirmed the shift, citing grievances with ODM’s internal nomination process.
He said if ODM had conducted a fair and transparent primary, UDA would have thrown its weight behind their candidate.
Aoko explained that had the chaos witnessed during ODM nominations not happened, they would have supported the Orange party’s candidate.
He explained that their plan is to ensure Aroko wins the Kasipul seat before having him join the ruling party.
“If ODM would have done a clean nomination that is not rigged, as the UDA party we were going to support them. Is that not okay? If ODM did not attack Kepher Ogada’s hospital, we were going to back them. But because of these, Aroko, it is very clear that he’s the one we are supporting. As UDA, if we support Aroko, who is independent, we are going to turn him, and together, we’ll support President William Ruto,” Onyango stated.
How did Aroko respond to UDA’s backing?
Aroko embraced the endorsement, claiming it demonstrates his growing influence and alignment with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
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The politician recalled how ODM had previously accused him of being a UDA mole three years ago, suggesting that it had come full circle.
“Three years back, these people, the ODM fraternity, branded me as a UDA mole in Kasipul. Today, all these guys are here with us. We welcome you to the broad-based government. We must protect the president and make him capable to serve the people of this republic,” Aroko said.
Source: Facebook
Aroko further stated that backing him would not only secure the MP seat but also strengthen the president’s mandate.
He explained that his mission was to ensure the constituency stays in government by backing Ruto’s administration.
“The independent candidate in the coming election, we can support Philip Nahshon Aroko. We will be number one in supporting the president. Also, to lead the country effectively. We know there are big plans for this country. We don’t want to be left out in the generation that is building this country,” the MP aspirant added.
Did UDA campaign for Boyd?
The announcement comes days after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki endorsed Boyd in the Kasipul by-election, calling him the broad-based candidate.
He led a major rally in Kasipul with government officials and UDA allies, stating that UDA will not field its own candidate and will instead support ODM’s.
He said this position follows a memorandum of understanding between UDA and ODM signed by President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
