RUTO FACES SETBACK AS UDA CANDIDATE WITHRAWS FROM RACE

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has suffered a significant political setback after its Kisa East ward candidate, James Shiraku, abruptly pulled out of the by-election and endorsed a rival contender from the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG).

The withdrawal, announced on Wednesday during a public address in Kakamega County, effectively knocked UDA out of the Kisa East race just a week before the November 27 vote — a move analysts say dents the ruling party’s grassroots momentum in Western Kenya.

Shiraku, who had already rolled out his campaign activities, said he reached the decision after conversations with senior figures both within and outside the party. He cited talks with Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka, a vocal supporter of MDG candidate Joel Ongoro Otwoma, as a key turning point.

“My name is James Shiraku. I was vying for the Kisa East seat, but now I have told Honourable Ongoro that I have agreed to support him,” he told residents, moments after greeting the candidate he will now be backing.

The announcement triggered immediate political chatter, with UDA insiders admitting off-record that the exit complicates the party’s strategy in the region. The ruling party will now not field a candidate for the ward seat — a rare occurrence, especially in a by-election season involving over 20 seats.

Political observers note that the development is particularly bruising for President Ruto, whose party had been keen on strengthening its representation in Kakamega County, a region traditionally difficult for UDA to penetrate. Losing ground to MDG and other opposition-aligned outfits heightens the pressure as the broader electoral calendar continues to tighten.

With Shiraku stepping aside, MDG’s Joel Ongoro now heads into the race with a notable boost, though he still faces ten other competitors, including DAP-Kenya’s Abraham Ayaya, DCP’s Aduda Okwiri, ODM’s John Masetu, UDM’s Stephen Amwayi, and Agano Party’s David Muchelule.

The Kisa East by-election seeks to fill the seat left vacant after the death of former MCA Stephen Maloba, who was fatally stabbed in 2023 at a political rally in Khwisero.

Even as the political dust settles, UDA is now expected to shift its full attention to the Malava Parliamentary by-election, also slated for November 27 — though the party must now contend with growing criticism over its wavering foothold in Western Kenya.