MOMBASA: Tension As UDA Leaders Protests Over Ruto’s ODM Favoritism
Tensions are developing within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), as politicians from the coastal region expressed their worries on Sunday, accusing the party of ignoring them in favor of the Orange Democratic Movement.
The leaders contended that, despite their devotion, ODM was getting more attention in government transactions and decision-making procedures.
They were speaking at a demonstration in Mombasa County’s central business district.
The disgruntled authorities also mentioned President William Ruto’s unfulfilled promises, expressing displeasure that crucial obligations had yet to be delivered.
With the next general election coming, they warned that continued neglect could result in a considerable loss of support for the UDA in the region.
Furthermore, they criticized Ruto’s growing political alliance with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, arguing that it should not come at the price of the UDA’s founding members.
They asked the President to prioritize developing the party’s grassroots institutions rather than destroying them with his new political initiatives.
They also urged Ruto to prioritize tackling serious issues such as unemployment, saying that focusing solely on political appointments for a privileged few would alienate young people facing unemployment and economic challenges.
“We have seen that he has decided to work with Raila Odinga, and we are happy about the same,” said Sammir Abdala Omar, the UDA County Coordinator in Mombasa.
GAME OF POLITICS
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) March 2, 2025
Mombasa UDA supporters decry alleged exclusion from party activities
The claim to have been left out in the broad-based Govt. discussions#LunchtimeNews ^RW pic.twitter.com/S8lZILFkWG
“But we are saying that the partnership should be based on service delivery to the citizens and not one where people come together to award jobs such as CSs, and PSs and not a recruitment exercise for leaders.”
The unhappy members also complained that whenever Ruto visits the county, they are frequently overlooked in event planning, with their ODM counterparts given priority.
Furthermore, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho was not immune to the attacks, with leaders alleging that he has been sidelining his members during key official events hosted by the President.
“As a CS representing the whole country, you were appointed because of the broad-based government arrangement, you should be representing us. If the President comes to Mombasa you should stop the favouritism,” an official added.
ALSO READ:
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
- President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
- Kenya Goes After British Oil Giant Over Hundreds Of Deaths In The North
- KDF Soldier Arrested Over Wife’s Murder in Nakuru
- Parliament Passes VAT Bill For Petroleum, Slashes It To 8%
The events come at a time when the President is thought to be looking for more engaging cooperation with Odinga following his loss in the African Union Commission chairperson contest.
Odinga appears to be interested in working more closely with Ruto.
However, he stated that he would advise his followers on the course of action he will take after engaging the nation.
On Sunday, he visited Mombasa and was received by the area’s Governor, Abdulswammad Nassir.
MOMBASA: Tension As UDA Leaders Protests Over Ruto’s ODM Favoritism
