United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leader Odoyo Owidi has declared that the party will actively participate in upcoming elections in Nyanza, responding to warnings from Kisumu Governor Gladys Wanga that UDA should respect the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) political stronghold in the region.
The exchange highlights growing tensions between the coalition partners ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wanga, speaking on X, cautioned UDA against fielding candidates in Luo-dominated areas, asserting that such moves contravene the coalition agreement between UDA and ODM.
“UDA is actively planning to field candidates in our regions as ODM.
Such moves are signs of political dishonesty that have always undermined the spirit and letter of the coalition agreement reached to promote political cooperation and stability.
The agreement was clear on respecting each other's political spaces,” she wrote.
Owidi dismissed the warning, accusing ODM of a history of suppressing leaders who challenge the party line.
He claimed the Luo community has suffered from the party’s governance, citing inadequate healthcare services and delayed county loans as persistent issues.
“ODM is too dictatorial to be allowed free hand again to continue impoverishing the Luo by silencing good and well-meaning leaders for those singing the tune of the party while doing nothing,” Owidi stated.
The UDA leader emphasized that ODM’s success in Luo Nyanza is increasingly dependent on UDA support.
“Today, ODM will not win any seat in Luo Nyanza without the help of UDA government. Today, Ochilo and Wanga will go home whether their opponents are from ODM or not,” he added, referencing the current political leaders in the region.
Political analysts note that Nyanza has historically been an ODM stronghold, but intra-coalition tensions and voter dissatisfaction over service delivery could influence electoral outcomes.
Owidi’s comments also link party politics to broader governance challenges, framing the UDA’s electoral push as a response to perceived public service gaps.
The statements from both parties underscore the fragility of coalition agreements in Kenya’s multiparty system.
As the 2027 elections approach, the arrangement between UDA and ODM will be closely watched, particularly in counties where historical party dominance is being questioned.