'Our popularity is declining', Bungoma UDA members raise concerns

UDA members address the press in Bungoma. [Jackline Inyanji, Standard]

Members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Bungoma County have expressed concern over what they have termed as the party's declining popularity in western region, despite the overwhelming support that President William Ruto received in the 2022 General Election.

Led by Bungoma County UDA Youth Leader George Kasawa, the members claimed that the party's waning support stems from the exclusion of grassroots members from economic empowerment programmes being spearheaded by some key politicians from the region who are close to the President.

"We supported UDA wholeheartedly during the last election, but many loyal members now feel abandoned and excluded from empowerment programmes. This has created dissatisfaction among the party's grassroots supporters," claimed Kasawa.

They further alleged that more than 200,000 supporters have defected from UDA to opposition parties, a situation they say threatens the party's future in Bungoma County.

"If this trend continues, UDA risks losing its strong support base in Bungoma, we need immediate intervention to restore members' confidence in the party," Kasawa added.

The group is now calling for an urgent meeting with President William Ruto to discuss the challenges facing the party in the county and explore ways of rebuilding trust among members and restoring UDA's popularity in Bungoma and other parts of Western.

"We are appealing to the President to grant us an audience so that we can openly discuss these concerns and chart the way forward for the party in Bungoma County," Kasawa said.

‎"After 2022, there were over 300, 000 registered members in UDA and as we speak, we are around 130,000 members meaning there is a problem. Loyal members of UDA are being left out in empowerment programmes. The members have a voice and have sacrificed a lot to ensure the party remains at the top but the problem is no one recognizes them. There's a gap that needs to be addressed by involving them since they want the best for the party," he noted.

Members including Dan Aura, Umi Wazir and Joseph Mureithi further pointed out that an opinion poll showed UDA had at least 70 percent elected leaders.

" The question is where did they go, they need to be on the ground and mount grassroots meetings as well as recruitment drives. The president needs to address rumours that UDA may not be fielding candidates in Bungoma in coming elections. We demand unity among leaders, members."

The members said they would wish to see deliberate efforts to strengthen the party in Bungoma and across western. "In 2022 Bungoma County gave more votes to President Ruto and we also need to tilt the balance in favour of the president since this is a formidable team and we know we will deliver," Aaura noted.

On zoning, they said aspirants in various parties under the broad-based government should be allowed to have their candidates on the ballot and let Kenyans decide.