The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced plans to expand its political influence in Eastern Kenya, with Makueni County identified as a major battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The party’s strategy was unveiled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who said UDA intends to field candidates for every elective position in Makueni, including the governor’s seat, parliamentary seats and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs).
Speaking during a rally at Kiaoni Market on Thursday, July 23, Mutuse said UDA wants to present itself as a national party capable of addressing the challenges facing Makueni residents, while criticizing past and current county leadership for failing to deliver sufficient development.
“We have decided that our people have lived through hardship for far too long because of poor leadership. Our people have developed a habit of following tribal-based political parties. We have now said that we no longer want ethnic parties. We want a national party, and that party is UDA,” Mutuse said.
The MP announced that UDA would support Professor Philip Kaloki for the Makueni gubernatorial race and Andrew Mulwa Mutava for the Senate position, urging residents to rally behind the party’s candidates in the upcoming election.
Mutuse said the party’s ambitions go beyond the county’s top positions, revealing that UDA is targeting all six parliamentary constituencies in Makueni and hopes to secure a majority of the 30 MCA seats.
He said the party wants to elect leaders who are closer to ordinary citizens and committed to improving service delivery, particularly in areas such as healthcare.
“We have also decided that we want a governor who is close to the ordinary citizen, a governor who understands the challenges facing everyday people. Our hospitals have lacked medicines for too long. We want to change that,” Mutuse stated.
According to the lawmaker, Makueni residents should support leaders who work closely with the national government, expressing confidence that President William Ruto will retain power after the 2027 General Election.
The remarks mark a major political push by UDA to challenge the dominance of the Wiper Party in Makueni and the broader Ukambani region.
For years, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has remained the region’s most influential political figure, with the party controlling a significant share of elective positions across Ukambani.
UDA’s latest campaign in Makueni comes as allies of President Ruto intensify efforts to expand the party’s support base in the region. Some local leaders have recently shown willingness to cooperate with the national government on development matters.
The ruling party has maintained that it plans to contest all elective positions in the 2027 General Election as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots network and establish a wider national presence.