Fresh headache for Raila as rival UGM party plots Homa Bay inroads
Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party leader Raila Odinga is likely to face political hurdles in his home turf after the United Green Movement (UGM) party invaded his Homa Bay stronghold and started recruiting members.
UGM is also eying other counties in the region in what is likely to provide politicians an alternative party other than Mr Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which has dominated the political landscape of the lakeside region for decades.
Mr Odinga enjoys massive support from the region.
He has dominated Nyanza politics for close to three decades since the death of his father
But he is increasingly facing competition from different political groups with the likes of ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero and lawyer Miguna Miguna constantly decampaigning him.
The latest to join the team of competitors is UGM party which is headed by former Ndhiwa MP Agustino Neto.
The party has intensified its membership recruitment drive as it eyes to compete with other parties, including ODM in the 2027 election.
UGM delegates are electing officials at the grassroot level to lead the recruitment drive of other members in their respective areas of operation.
In Homa Bay, the party has already established an office in Ndhiwa constituency and delegates have elected officials who will operate it.
Party leadership announced that the other seven constituencies will have their officials by the end of the year.
Mr Neto said the party has its roots in 37 counties and seeks to expand to all the 47 devolved units.
“We want to provide an alternative avenue which politicians can use to seek leadership positions and get elected,” he said.
Mr Neto asked voters not to be swayed by this narrative saying good leadership and winning an election should not be determined by the political party.
The former Ndhiwa MP lost the parliamentary seat to Martin Owino of ODM when he contested on UGM in the 2022 election.
He first lost the seat in 2017 when he contested as an independent candidate.
Mr Neto said he will be on the ballot in 2027 on a UGM ticket.
His party will also front candidates from the wards to the governor seats
According to the former legislator, his choice of offering an alternative party other than ODM enables him to have bargaining power in formation of government.
He referred to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula who are party leaders as being people who were considered when President William Ruto was forming his government.
“Besides having an opportunity to be in government, we can all well put the government of the day in check. The Luo community should therefore embrace other parties,” Mr Neto said.
In its leadership structure, UGM has two people in a single position.
This is meant to ensure there is a smooth flow of activities.
Mr Neto said one person always checks on the other.
“Absence of an official means the other can proceed with party activities. We have also ensured we identify people from diverse backgrounds,” he said.
Election in Ndhiwa was presided over by Mr Aden Gute who is a member of UGM elections board.
Ms Dorcus Matunga and Mr Daniel Nyambero were both elected as co-chairperson.
Both said they will work towards ensuring the party grows.
“Our target is to recruit as many members as possible. We are optimistic that UGM will grow and compete with other parties,” Mr Nyanbero said.
Mr Neto said UGM focuses on putting people from diverse backgrounds in leadership positions.
“We started the election in my backyard so that I can set the pace for the same exercise in other areas. Our party is unique because it gives everyone equal rings to be in leadership,” the party leader said.
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