The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has issued a stern warning to members who openly supported rival candidates during Thursday’s November 27 by-elections, challenging them to resign if they believe they are popular enough to contest in future elections.
Speaking at a media briefing on Friday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said disloyal members must step aside and face the party in a fair contest. “If you think you’re that popular, resign like Raila Odinga once did and face us in a contest,” Omar stated.
Omar singled out Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who publicly campaigned for DAP-K’s Seth Panyako against UDA’s David Ndakwa in the tightly contested Malava parliamentary by-election. Ndakwa won by 21,564 votes against Panyako’s 20,210 votes, marking a key victory for the party in the region.
The UDA disciplinary committee had previously warned Khalwale of disloyalty and gross misconduct in October, but he continued to support Panyako, arguing he was representing the genuine interests of residents. “They are forcing me to take a stand against my community for a mere position. I cannot betray my house because of positions,” Khalwale said, adding that he plans to contest the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in 2027 under a different party.
At the same briefing, Omar celebrated UDA’s by-election victories nationwide, highlighting the party’s growing appeal while criticising the opposition, which he described as “village parties” managing to secure only a few county assembly seats. He also condemned Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what he described as repeated threats against independent government institutions, including the IEBC and police, urging all agencies to uphold constitutional mandates.
The confrontation underscores the UDA leadership’s determination to enforce party loyalty ahead of the 2027 General Elections, signalling that internal dissent will face scrutiny and accountability.
 has issued a stern warning to members who openly supported rival candidates during Thursday’s November 27 by-elections, challenging them to resign if they believe they are popular enough to contest in future elections.){kind=link}