UDA move to raid opposition strongholds

The ruling coalition United Democratic Alliance has embarked on nationwide popularisation campaign of the party and is target to raid in opposition strongholds to increase its membership.

 “Today we have started a journey of building a huge political machinery that will shake the political landscape of this country for the next six months,” Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua told party coordinators yesterday.

Current regime

 Gachagua said that they want to establish the presence of the party in every county including areas dominated by opposition to remain in control of the government beyond the current regime’s term in office.

 “Every county will have an office which runs a government style. It will be open from 8am to 5pm and the party’s flag will also be hoisted, ‘” Gachagua said.

The Deputy President said that the party will open new party offices as well as rebuilding those that have been destroyed during political feuds.

 Gachagua urged the party coordinators who he tasked to oversee the day to day running of the offices to register new members to the party.

 “Bring everybody on board and do not discriminate against anybody over their political affiliation. Some were forced to join parties that were not of their choice by our opponents who were in the last government,” Gachagua told the coordinators.

 The Deputy President said that the Kenya Kwanza is open and will admit any political party that shares the same development ideology as UDA into its fold. He urged the opposition to stick to its constitutional mandate of providing oversight to the government.

 He warned that the handshake witnessed between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga in several public events, does not mean that the opposition is officially in government.

 “We want to tell the opposition, take your rightful position of keeping the government in check. Raise questions and correct us where you feel that we have erred. When you see the President socialising with anybody, he does so because he is a president to everybody and it doesn’t mean he (Ruto) has given you a stake in government,” Gachagua emphasised.

 UDA who will also be relying on seasoned politicians who have decamped from opposition in the popularisation campaign officially received former Migori governor Okoth Obado yesterday.

 Obado said that it is important for leaders to join meaningful alliances so that the country can scale development heights fast.  “I will not tire in ensuring that UDA registers as many members as possible. We shall not heed to any politician that will derail us in this course by inciting us to violence. We will be very peaceful,” Obado said.

 UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malalah urged the coordinators to support the government agenda fully noting that they are the crucial link between the ruling party and its supporters.

Mixed reactions

Meanwhile, Former Kesses MP Dr Swarup Mishra’s move to join President William Ruto led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has been received with mixed reactions in the North Rift.

Dr Mishra was one of the casualties of the UDA wave which swept off many leaders in Rift Valley deemed not to have been singing to the tune of President Ruto-then Deputy President.

Many residents from his former constituency yesterday lauded Dr Mishra’s move, noting that ‘he has finally seen the light’.

Duncan Simatwo said Dr Mishra’s move increases his chances of recapturing the seat he lost to Julius Ruto in 2027.

“Congratulations Mheshimiwa. We are still there and we will bring it home,” said Simatwo.

Others regretted voting him out saying that party politics hounded him out of office.

“Welcome home. We are sorry, we are regretting a lot but we will back you in 2027,” said Tonny Chumba.

Some however said Dr Mishra was better not joining UDA but standing his political ground.

“Welcome Sir. Though I feel you were on the right track. You should always stand on what you believe is okey for you and your instincts,” said Elisha Kiptoo, another resident.

Dr Mishra yesterday took to his social media pages to announce that he was back to Dr Ruto’s fold.

“To God be glory. I’am back home,” he posted on social media.

Speaking on Wednesday at UDA headquarters after being received by party Secretary General, Dr Mishra declared his support for President Ruto’s administration.