President William Ruto's administration is executing a grand strategy to consolidate influence in former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's traditional strongholds.
As part of the plans, Kenya Kwanza heavyweights, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, are actively campaigning for ODM candidates, signalling a new political path.
This started playing out in Kasipul constituency, where Kindiki on Friday stood shoulder-to-shoulder with ODM leaders to campaign for the party's parliamentary candidate, Boyd Were.
He was joined by Kikuyu MP — also National Assembly Majority leader — Kimani Ichung’wah, his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho Senator) and several pro-Ruto MPs.
The ODM brigade was led by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed (National Assembly Minority Leader). The meeting had the blessings of notable national leaders whose contributions were read out.
The scene pointed to the new alliance that is gaining traction, with a sitting Kenya Kwanza DP vigorously campaigning for an ODM candidate in Raila's backyard.
The Kasipul economic empowerment meeting at Sikri Vocational Training Centre grounds in Oyugis, Homa Bay county, demonstrated the coalescing political forces.
The DP said the broad-based coalition is working hard to ensure candidates sponsored by the alliance emerge victorious in the coming by-elections.
"The agreement signed by President Ruto and late ODM leader Raila Odinga has allowed us to support candidates sponsored by either of our parties," Kindiki said.
The Kasipul campaign is not an isolated incident but part of a calculated approach that extends across multiple constituencies.
Kindiki explicitly outlined the coalition's coordinated strategy that ODM candidates in Kasipul, Ugunja and Magarini enjoy the full support of the broad-based coalition.
On the other hand, UDA aspirants in Malava, Banisa, Mbeere North and Baringo receive reciprocal ODM backing.
“We have all agreed to work together and fully support all our broad-based candidates in the coming by-elections,” he said.
The political exchange is in the spirit of the March 2025 agreement between President Ruto and Raila, which has now evolved into a comprehensive political partnership.
“We are one team, and here in Kasipul, we are fully supporting the ODM candidate. We are also doing the same in Ugunja and Magarani as well as in all the areas where UDA candidates are carrying our flags,” Kindiki said.
Wanga, who is also ODM national chairperson, said they will not step away from the agreement, promising to throw their weight fully behind all the broad-based candidates in the by-elections.
“In the coming by-elections, we are supporting all the broad-based candidates because we have agreed that we will back all our candidates in the polls,” she said.
Further, the governor said the party is in government to stay as guided by the departed party leader.
“Baba left us inside the broad-based government. It is where we will remain as the Orange Democratic Movement,” Wanga said.
In the political manoeuvre, there is also a substantial development offensive designed to cement support for the alliance in Nyanza and other ODM bases.
DP Kindiki revealed the broad-based government, led by President Ruto, will speed up development projects in the areas.
For Homa Bay, so far, Sh2 billion has been allocated to the county for last-mile electricity connection targeting 26,000 new households.
Sh15.8 billion has also been disbursed for the construction of fresh produce and fish markets, affordable houses and hostels for learning institutions in the county.
All stalled roads are also being revived. A total of Sh8.5 billion has been set aside for the roads in the county, including the construction of Sikri-Lida, which will commence shortly.
The Deputy President said campaigns for the 2027 elections are yet to start, saying the focus is on delivering the development promises made to the people.
“When the time comes, we will be more than ready to showcase our development record. Do not be misled by those who have nothing to offer,” Kindiki told Nyanza.
The political plans have emerged against the backdrop of an ODM party navigating the profound void left by Raila’s passing.
Leaders who joined the DP in the campaigns restated their commitment to Raila’s wish saying it was not in vain that the departed ODM leader left them in government.
To this end, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch said, “Raila said we remain in the broad-based government. Let us stand with the government and President Ruto as Baba instructed.”
His Nyando counterpart Jared Okello said, “Just like our President, William Ruto, the deputy here present loves us beyond measure, we love them back in return.”
He argued that the ruling regime has shown it as a worthy partner for the regions that backed Raila.
“I have never seen any administration or government in the world that will relinquish the most important seats to people who did not elect them.”
“Ruto has given money to one of our own (CS John Mbadi) and all the weapons to (Interior PS Raymond Omollo). We will reciprocate in ways never seen before when the right time comes,” Okello said.
Ichung’wah assured the region of the government’s continued support with development projects.
The emergence of initiatives like the Broad-Based Youth Front, launched by Senator Oketch to mobilise youth support for Ruto, is part of the plans.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
As the by-elections approach, they serve as a critical testing ground for this political experiment. Success for coalition candidates will likely accelerate integration, while setbacks could energise critics within both parties. What is clear is that the country’s politics has entered uncharted territory, with the once-unthinkable scenario of Kenya Kwanza leaders campaigning for ODM candidates in Nyanza now becoming a reality.
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