UDA jitters: members push back amid coalition talk
"In as much as we support you, please remember the children of the house" – Danson Mungatana..
✨ Key Highlights
President William Ruto's recent meeting has exposed significant internal tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) regarding potential sacrifices of current members to accommodate new coalition partners, particularly the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), ahead of the 2027 elections.
- The ODM is reportedly demanding the running mate position, currently held by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as their "irreducible minimum" in pre-election pact talks.
- UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire publicly advocated for DP Kindiki's retention, praising his performance.
- Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana expressed fears that "children of the house" (existing UDA members) might be overlooked in negotiations.
- President Ruto assured UDA members that negotiations would result in a "win-win" scenario, but notably sidestepped the issue of the deputy president position, hinting at its potential for negotiation.
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UDA Maneuvers for 2027 Election Amid Internal Tensions and Power Struggles - January 2026
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is charging aspirants fees to attend a "UDA Aspirants Forum" at State House with President William Ruto on February 4, 2026. The meeting aims to build a grassroots network for Ruto's 2027 re-election. However, President Ruto's recent meeting exposed significant internal tensions within UDA regarding potential sacrifices of current members to accommodate new coalition partners, particularly the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In parallel, repeated attacks on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, including an incident at a Nyeri County church involving suspected rogue police, are being interpreted as high-stakes power struggles ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
