Broad-based cracks: UDA-ODM tensions simmer amid Ruto Gusii tour

UDA supporters were intimidated and forced to shed their yellow party T-shirts and caps in...
President William Ruto addresses residents during a public rally in Kisii Town on November 11, 2026.
President William Ruto’s four-day political tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties this week laid bare tensions between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and its partner in the broad-based government, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
UDA supporters alleged that they were attacked and intimidated by political goons linked to a local politician seeking to demonstrate that Kisii County is an ODM stronghold.
He made the pronouncements amid longstanding concerns over career stagnation in the teaching profession.
Contest between Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru has morphed into a battle for control.
Ongwae refutes claims he is operating as puppet in Gusii for external forces.
He accused opposition figures of frustrating the rise of young leaders for fear of being overshadowed.
He seeks to narrow the glaring disparities in bonus payments between farmers in the West and East regions.
The number of young people heading primary schools remains low.
The 428 represents about 29 percent jump from the 332 delegates Nairobi sent to COP30 in Brazil last year.
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- simmer
- ruto
- gusii
- tour
- crack
- odm
- tension





