By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 24 April 2026 - In a political shift few anticipated, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) attracted large crowds across Nyanza during its grassroots elections, signalling a changing political mood in a region long considered the stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
What was witnessed in Kisumu on Thursday went beyond a routine party exercise. It reflected a gradual weakening of old political boundaries and the emergence of a more fluid and cooperative political environment ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The early morning turnout was striking. Voters dressed in yellow streamed into polling stations across Kisumu County to take part in the UDA grassroots polls. In a region traditionally dominated by opposition politics, the sight of long queues participating in a ruling party exercise marked a notable departure from the past.
For the first time in recent memory, residents appeared more open to openly associating with different political camps, reflecting a growing shift towards what leaders describe as a broad-based political approach.
Mr Halake Dida, a member of the National Elections Board and Nyanza regional returning officer, expressed surprise at the turnout.
“I am amazed this is Nyanza. I have been hearing otherwise, but the participation is impressive,” he said at Victoria polling station.
He noted that similar enthusiasm was observed across Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay, Siaya, Kisii, and Nyamira during his visits.
The exercise was largely peaceful and well-organised. Dida reported only minor challenges involving missing voter details, which were resolved on site.
“We only had a few cases of names missing from the register, but these were corrected and voting proceeded smoothly,” he said.
According to organisers, the use of digital systems played a key role in ensuring efficiency and transparency. Electronic identification and data coding helped reduce errors and speed up the process. Kisumu UDA Vice Chair Beatrice Amondi said this boosted voter confidence and improved credibility.
Despite heavy police presence at polling stations, the exercise remained calm, with no major incidents reported.
After the polls, celebrations broke out in several areas. In Kisumu city, supporters filled the streets singing and dancing, waving UDA colours in a rare show of political presence in the region.
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Similar celebrations were witnessed in Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii and Nyamira counties.
UDA supporters in the areas turned up in big numbers to participate in Democratic movement course.
Dida hailed them for the great efforts and demonstrated maturity in democracy and politics of tolerance for the common good of all.
Songs praising President William Ruto echoed through the city, with chants of “Yote Yawezekana na Rais Ruto” and “Two term, two terms” Ruto Tano Tena ! Ruto Kumi bila break! dominating the celebrations. In some areas, slogans also included references to local political leaders, reflecting a blend of national and regional support.
UDA officials in Kisumu, led by George Ayugi and Beatrice Amondi, were present throughout the exercise, with Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo overseeing the process from behind the scenes.
The political mood in Nyanza appeared to shift further in light of ongoing consultations between ODM and UDA leaders at State House. The meeting brought together senior figures from both parties, including Dr Oburu Oginga and Gladys Wanga from ODM, alongside President William Ruto and UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar.
The discussions are aimed at building a framework for cooperation ahead of 2027, signalling a move towards a less confrontational political environment.
Analysts say the developments reflect a broader transformation driven by younger voters and changing economic priorities. Many voters are now less influenced by historical party loyalties and more focused on development and opportunity.
For UDA, the strong turnout in Nyanza suggests growing grassroots acceptance in a region once considered politically out of reach. For ODM, it presents a need to adjust to a more competitive and less predictable political landscape.
As events in Kisumu demonstrate, Nyanza politics is evolving. The large turnout, calm atmosphere, and visible mixing of political support indicate a region in transition.
Whether this momentum continues towards the 2027 General Election remains to be seen. For now, however, the “yellow wave” has made a visible impact in the lakeside region.