Kenya Kwanza leaders tout by-election gains as blueprint for 2027, dismiss opposition strategy

Addressing supporters in Uasin Gishu and Kericho counties, the leaders accused the united opposition of lacking a coherent strategy to mount a meaningful challenge at the ballot.

The mood on the ground was markedly celebratory. Though the coalition secured only narrow wins in several hotly contested seats, the victories were enough to fuel political confidence and sharpen the coalition’s messaging.

Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe emphasized what he described as a shift toward issue-based politics:
“Tunapiga uchaguzi wa manifesto, si uchaguzi ya shares na ukabila… wananchi waliwaweza kuwatuliza,” he said, urging the public to reject tribal and personality-driven campaigning.

Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka echoed the sentiment, claiming the by-election outcomes had silenced skeptics within and outside the coalition:
“Tujiandae sasa… njia imeanza kuonekana. Hata wale doubting Thomases wengi sasa wameingia chini ya mwamba.”

In Uasin Gishu, President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet used the moment to spotlight newly elected Malava MP David Ndakwa, describing unity as the coalition’s guiding principle:
“Nchi inaendeshwa na umoja… watu wa Malava wametupatia sifa,” he said.

Ndakwa, in his first public remarks since the win, aligned himself with Kenya Kwanza’s wider political arrangement, taking a swipe at the opposition while praising the coalition’s inclusivity:
“Na kurudi factory settings… Raila aliacha watu wa ODM was Serikali, and that is how we enjoyed some peace for some time,” he said.

A similar tone carried through to Kericho County, where Kenya Kwanza leaders argued that the by-elections offered a preview of the coalition’s 2027 roadmap. Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot declared the opposition effectively outmaneuvered:
“Na Rais aanzishe gari yake… hawa upinzani tutamalizana na hao saa kumi na mbili asubuhi.”

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula was even more blunt, suggesting that opposition politics lacked coherence and professionalism:
“We mean business… kura haitaftwi hivo,” he said, referencing recent altercations witnessed during the campaigns.