RUTO, RAILA SHOWDOWN LOOMS AS UDA DEFIES ODM AFTER MPS DEATH

A political showdown is brewing between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announced it will field a candidate in the upcoming Kasipul by-election, defying ODM’s claim to the seat.
The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Charles Ong’ondo Were. ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga had declared the constituency an ODM zone, with the party eyeing candidates such as Were’s son, Boyd Were, and Philip Aroko.
In a statement, UDA unveiled its nomination timetable, setting September 20 as the nomination date. Aspirants have until September 5 at 5:00 p.m. to submit applications via the party portal, with nomination fees set at KSh 250,000 for male candidates and KSh 125,000 for women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The move signals Ruto’s intent to test UDA’s popularity in Raila’s Luo Nyanza stronghold ahead of the 2027 general election. The battle for Kasipul is expected to be closely watched, with UDA also preparing to contest the Magarini by-election in Kilifi County, following the nullification of the 2022 results.
The twin contests now set the stage for a fierce political duel between the country’s two dominant political forces.