UDA and ODM in Fresh Supremacy Battle in Homa Bay Ahead of 2027

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 22 December 2025 - As the year comes to a close, the political temperature in Homa Bay is rising, signaling the start of a high-stakes tussle between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 polls.

Over the weekend, UDA's Homa Bay County Chairperson Kennedy Obuya made headlines by suggesting that his party plans to field candidates in every electoral seat, from the wards to the county level.

The statement is widely seen as a direct challenge to ODM’s deep-rooted influence in the region, setting the stage for a battle for political supremacy.

ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga responded with measured caution while attending a party event.

Speaking to supporters, she reminded all stakeholders that Kenya’s Broad-Based Government (BBG) framework demands respect for cooperative agreements between coalition partners.

“We are in a broad-based government, and among our agreements is that there is no encroachment into each other’s strongholds,” Governor Wanga said, underscoring that political ambitions should not override the principles of unity and collaboration.

Wanga’s comments reflect a strategic blend of caution and assertiveness, aimed at protecting ODM’s long-standing dominance in the county.

She highlighted that while democratic competition is natural, any attempt to field candidates across every seat could destabilise the carefully balanced political order and potentially undermine the spirit of BBG cooperation.

“One of the doctrines agreed upon under our working arrangement is that there would be no encroachment into each other’s strongholds,” she added, framing her caution as both a warning and a reminder of mutual respect.

The governor’s reaction also sends a clear signal that ODM intends to safeguard its core support base while continuing to honor coalition commitments.

On the other hand, UDA’s announcement represents a bold attempt to assert relevance in a traditionally opposition stronghold, demonstrating the party’s readiness to compete aggressively.

The exchange highlights the early stages of what is shaping up to be a fierce political season, with both parties already laying the groundwork for strategic campaigns and grassroots mobilisation.

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Political analysts argue that the confrontation illustrates the delicate balance inherent in the BBG model. While the framework is designed to foster collaboration, friction is inevitable when competing electoral ambitions intersect.

Wanga’s careful response reinforces ODM’s intent to defend its territory without appearing to violate coalition norms, emphasising that competitive politics should coexist with principles of cooperation and national unity.

For UDA, Obuya’s plans signal a deliberate effort to expand the party’s footprint and challenge ODM’s traditional dominance.

While the move could energize UDA supporters and attract new backers, it also risks raising tensions and testing the limits of coalition goodwill. The unfolding dynamic offers a glimpse into the strategies both sides will employ as they navigate the complex terrain of local and national politics in the run-up to the 2027 polls.

As both parties sharpen their strategies, Wanga’s statements serve as both reassurance to ODM loyalists and a pointed warning to opponents.

She made it clear that while the party is open to democratic contestation, it will remain vigilant against moves that threaten its long-held influence.

Meanwhile, UDA’s assertiveness signals that political competition in Homa Bay is entering a new, more aggressive phase, with both sides positioning themselves for control over voter loyalty and key political narratives.

The political scene in Homa Bay now reflects the wider national trend, where coalition politics, party ambitions, and electoral strategies intersect.

Wanga’s reference to BBG principles emphasizes the need to maintain cooperation even as parties pursue aggressive electoral strategies, underscoring the tension between unity and competition.

As ODM and UDA begin their preparations for the 2027 elections, it is clear that the battle for supremacy is officially underway, with each side seeking to define the terms of political engagement and assert dominance in one of Kenya’s most strategically important regions.