The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has attributed its recent by-election victories to growing public confidence in President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development agenda.
Speaking during an interactive media briefing following the latest by-election wins in the Emurua Dikirr Constituency and Mogondo Ward, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the party’s performance in the mini polls demonstrated sustained support for the government despite criticism from opposition leaders.
“We won decisively in the recent by-elections across the country,” he said, noting that the party had secured victories in previous contests held in November, February and May.
The leader said the victories reflected “a continued vote of faith” in President Ruto, his leadership and the government’s programmes.
He described the party’s partnership with Kenya Kwanza coalition affiliates as instrumental to the electoral success, saying coordinated campaign strategies had strengthened the coalition’s grassroots support.
“We also want to dedicate this victory to our coalition partners because part of the victories have been largely as a consequence of the support and coordinated strategies we have had as parties,” he said.
At the same time, he criticised opposition leaders, accusing them of promoting divisive politics anchored on ethnicity rather than development.
He said Kenya’s political discourse should shift from ethnic mobilisation to issue-based leadership and accountability.
“We will replace ethnic mobilisation with programmes and agendas. We will go back to the people of Kenya to account for every commitment we made and the extent of delivery that has been undertaken,” he stated.
Hassan Omar maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration had initiated transformative programmes aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary Kenyans through affordable housing, healthcare and economic reforms.
He defended President Ruto’s leadership both locally and internationally, saying the Head of State had enhanced Kenya’s standing on the global stage through regional diplomacy and continental development initiatives.
According to Omar, President Ruto’s role in convening African leaders to discuss the continent’s economic future demonstrated visionary leadership and commitment to Pan-Africanism.
“William Ruto has succeeded both on the national and international fronts. His convening power and his ideas on using African capital for African development are transformative,” he said.
The party leader also praised ongoing discussions around strengthening African financial institutions and reducing dependence on foreign lending institutions.
He said African countries should utilise their own financial reserves and strengthen institutions such as the African Development Bank, the African Export-Import Bank and the Trade and Development Bank to finance development projects across the continent.
He further welcomed investments aimed at expanding Africa’s oil refining capacity, citing plans associated with the Dangote Refinery as an example of Africa’s commitment to industrial transformation.
“Africa produces millions of barrels of crude oil daily but still exports crude and imports refined products. Expanding refining capacity within Africa is an important step towards economic liberation,” he said.
Omar also commended the successful hosting of the recent African forum summit attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, saying such engagements enhanced Africa’s position in global economic discussions.
On domestic politics, he expressed confidence that the ruling party would retain support ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the government remained focused on service delivery and economic recovery.
He noted increased participation of young people in recent by-elections, describing it as an indication that youth were increasingly embracing the government’s development agenda.
The party leader also thanked voters in the affected electoral areas for supporting its candidates in the latest contests.
Among those recognised were David Kipsang, Daniel Ndung’u and B.M. Dirop, who emerged victorious in their respective wards.
“We are humbled by the strong gesture of support from the people,” he said, adding that the party remained committed to strengthening its nationwide mobilisation efforts.
The party leader reaffirmed the ruling party’s determination to remain organised and focused ahead of future electoral contests, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration would continue prioritising programmes aimed at transforming the country’s economy and improving livelihoods.
By Celestine Lomolijah and Lilian Gichohi
