Kenya’s UDA and ODM Prepare for Key Nomination Primaries Ahead of November By-Elections

Kenya’s two main political parties, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), are holding crucial nomination primaries this weekend ahead of the 27 November by-elections.

The UDA will conduct its primaries in Baringo County, Malava Constituency, and several ward-level contests. Preparations have been finalised, according to the party’s National Elections Board, chaired by Anthony Mwaura. The party has allocated Sh23 million to support the process, including the training of over 2,600 election officials. Polling will take place from 8am to 5pm, with results expected the same evening. 

Security has been reinforced in regions deemed volatile, including Baringo, where the Senate seat became vacant following the death of William Cheptumo earlier this year. UDA leaders have set a target of winning at least 80 per cent of the 23 contested positions, viewing the primaries as a key step in strengthening the party’s national influence. 

The party has emphasised the importance of credible nominations to avoid disputes and prevent defections, a recurring challenge in previous election cycles.

In contrast, ODM is facing internal disputes in several strongholds as it prepares for its primaries. In Kasipul Constituency, tensions have risen following the entry of Boyd Were, son of former MP Ong’ondo Were, into the race. 

This development has led to the withdrawal of businessman Philip Aroko, who will now run as an independent. Other candidates include Robert Riaga, Dr Adel Ottoman, and Rateng Otiende. Similar concerns have emerged in Ugunja, where several aspirants have publicly accused party officials of favouritism. 

In a joint statement, the candidates warned that biased conduct could undermine the legitimacy of the primaries. The ODM National Executive Committee met in Nairobi this week to assess its readiness, but internal disagreements remain unresolved.

ODM has scheduled its primaries in Kasipul for 24 September and Ugunja for 26 September. Additional nominations are planned for Nairobi’s Kariobangi North ward and the Lake Zone ward in Turkana. NEC elections chair Emily Awita confirmed that the voting will be conducted through universal suffrage and secret ballot. 

However, ODM has withdrawn from Malava Constituency following a dispute involving Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and former deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya, and will support UDA’s candidate there under the ongoing “broad-based” cooperation framework. The evolving working arrangement between UDA and ODM, formed after last year’s political realignments, is being tested. 

Both parties have agreed to cede ground in select constituencies: UDA in Ugunja and Kasipul, ODM in Banissa, Malava, and Baringo. However, in Magarini, ODM has insisted on fielding former MP Harrison Kombe despite UDA’s endorsement of Stanley Karisa Kenga. Mr Mwaura confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to prevent further conflict.

Smaller parties are also experiencing internal shifts. In Mbeere North, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), which is affiliated with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, withdrew its candidate in favour of the Democratic Party (DP), led by Justin Muturi. This prompted DCP aspirant Duncan Mbui to defect to Chama Cha Kazi, led by Moses Kuria. 

DP is supporting Newton Kariuki, while Reverend Isaak Muringi of the United Progressive Alliance has also joined the race, reportedly with informal backing from former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. The 27 November by-elections will fill 24 vacant seats left by deaths, court rulings, and public appointments. Analysts see the vote as a key measure of UDA’s consolidation efforts and ODM’s organisational strength. 

Experts have warned that mismanaged nominations could result in an increase in independent candidates and deepen internal party divisions, similar to what was seen in the 2017 and 2022 elections.