UDA and ODM Lock Horns in Battle for Members in Taita Taveta County

The political temperature in Taita Taveta County is on the rise as the UDA and ODM parties continue to attract new members in preparation for the 2027 elections.

Despite the upcoming general election being distant, the parties are already organizing themselves, emphasizing the importance of having a significant number of members on their side to secure representation in various leadership positions.

Historically, the county has been an ODM stronghold. However, in the last election, the party led by opposition leader Raila Odinga lost many seats, securing only five representatives out of the 20 ward seats and Senator Jones Mwaruma under the ODM ticket.

To regain its influence, last month, Mr. Odinga visited the county and launched the ODM membership registration drive, urging residents to join his party and support his agenda for bringing change to the country.

With 39,400 members in the county, ODM faces stiff competition from the UDA, which claims to have registered over 60,000 members. In response to ODM’s registration drive, UDA leaders in the county met in Voi last week to strategize on member registration and continue building the party’s popularity in the county to attract more residents.

UDA currently has one elected representative in the county assembly and another nominated by the party. Lydia Haika, the women’s representative, was also elected on the UDA ticket.

UDA Coordinator in Taita Taveta, Milton Masale, stated that the party is gaining popularity on the coastal region and will be the preferred choice for the locals. Masale also emphasized that the ‘Kenya Kwanza’ government led by President William Ruto advocates for the welfare of the common citizens and addresses economic issues.

He urged the locals to support the government as it continues to improve the lives of the residents. “The cost of living is decreasing, and that is a commendation to our president. So, it has been easy for us to persuade people to join the party. Membership registration is not a new process; it is an ongoing exercise,” he said.

Masale added that UDA leaders will collaborate to build the party, putting aside their differences. “We have set aside our differences and agreed to work together under our representative, Ms. Haika,” he said.

The ODM county chairman, Mr. Ginton Mwachofi, mentioned that the registration is being conducted at the ward level. He noted that residents have lost faith in the current administration due to the high cost of living and unfulfilled campaign promises.

“There are Kenya Kwanza members shifting to ODM. They are moving because Kenya Kwanza has disappointed them by not fulfilling their promises,” Mwachofi said.

He added that those who left ODM during the 2022 general elections are showing interest in returning. “Some had left due to the confusion in candidate nominations within the Azimio coalition. We are targeting as many people as possible, especially the youth, as some of them are not members of any political party,” said Mwachofi.”