ODM plots fightback to counter UDA forays in Homa Bay

Raila Odinga's ODM party is fighting back what is seen as a massive foray by the UDA party in Homa Bay County.

ODM, which has dominated the politics of Homa Bay since 2007, has refused has warned members against registering with the ruling United Democratic Alliance.

Raila’s party could be losing strength and grip on one of its most populous strongholds.

Former Nairobi Governor and Chief Administrative Secretary for Trade and Industry Evans Kidero has already launched a membership registration drive in Homa Bay.

Kidero together with politicians Odoyo Owidi and former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo said they want to register more than 300,000 people to join UDA in four months.

According to IEBC records ahead of 2022 elections, Homa Bay has a total of 551,000 registered voters.

Three weeks ago, the trio launched both digital and manual membership listing drive.

Since the launch, the UDA brigades have been secretly meeting leaders including MCAs and ODM officials.

Two constituency ODM officials Ogina Nyabola (Ndhiwa) and Zachary Muga (Kabondo Kasipul) have already decamped to UDA.

It is against this backdrop that some MPs elected on the ODM ticket in Homa Bay warned its officials and the party members against associating themselves with politicians and leaders who are perceived as their enemies.

Homa Bay ODM party organizing secretary and Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were said they will take disciplinary action against officials who will not comply with directives.

Were asked residents to refrain from registering with UDA saying the party is against their welfare.

“Don’t be hoodwinked and join parties whose ideologies are not clear. Homa Bay people should remain in ODM because it’s the party which has their interest,” Were said. 

However,, the law allows Kenyans the right to associate with any political formation of their choice.

UDA through Kidero had already promised a ruthless grassroots mobilisation campaign in Homa Bay as they prepare ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Its officials have been engaging in a series of activities that are meant to popularise President William Ruto in Homa Bay.

UDA also has plans to open an office in Homa Bay later next month in May.

Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with some ODM officials in Oyugis town, Were who doubles up as the constituency patron asked the officials to help them destroy UDA perceived inroads in Homa Bay.

The organizing secretary said they will start cleaning the ODM party register to eliminate people they perceive as betrayers.

The county youth leader Robert Ouko and Kasiul ODM chairman Evans Ndege were present.

“Let’s remain alert and protect ODM political stronghold like Homa Bay. We must destroy all the avenues used by UDA to get into the county,” he added. 

Governor Gladys Wanga is ODM party chairperson in Homa Bay.

They are planning to hold a county meeting and invite Raila to address members and delegates as a way of countering UDA. 

ODM is also accusing President Ruto of using his government officials and money to try and sway its supporters into UDA.

MP Were said they welcome State projects in Homa Bay but they should not be used to destabilise other political parties like ODM.

“We’ll not allow UDA to use money to influence its support in Homa Bay. I urge residents to take up the money but don’t register with the party,” he said.