Isiolo governor Guyo ditches Jubilee for UDA

UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala during a media briefing at the party's offices on March 15, 2023. Malala has urged smaller political parties in Kwanya Kwanza to dissolve and join UDA. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Guyo said he is ready to seek a fresh mandate from the people of Isiolo through a by-election if it will come to that following his decision to abandon Jubilee which sponsored him.

"There are those trying to intimidate leaders who have different political views. I want to urge them to desist from such tactics. If need be, I am ready to face a by-election," said Guyo.

Malala rallied more leaders from the Northeastern region to join the ruling party and the larger Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Guyo's entry into Kenya's Kwanza fold is seen as a consequence of Ruto's latest political charm offensive in the North Eastern region which largely voted for his competitor and opposition leader Raila Odinga during last year's election.

UDA is currently engaged in a massive recruitment drive in Marsabit County ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bonaya, who said she will make an informed decision on whether to abandon Jubilee after consulting her supporters, said election losers should wait until 2027 when they will have another opportunity to try their luck again.

Jaldesa was among those Bonaya beat in last year's elections.

Malala said UDA is laying the ground for party elections, from the grassroots to the national level.

"Leaders should set aside their difference and focus on popularising the party through recruitment of new members," said the former Kakamega senator.