UDA Majority Whip and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro (right) during the last campaign rally for party candidate in Ekerenyo Ward in Nyamira County, Francis Amenya Ndubi/HANDOUTUDA’s candidate in Ekerenyo Ward in Nyamira County, Francis Amenya Ndubi, has pledged accountable, people-focused, and development-driven leadership in his final campaign rally.
Speaking to a large and enthusiastic crowd, Ndubi said he was the best choice to represent the interests of Ekerenyo residents effectively.
The rally drew an overwhelming turnout, with residents displaying unity and energetic support for the UDA candidate.
A formidable team of UDA leaders campaigned for Ndubi, including Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North), Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira County), Steve Mogaka (West Mugirango), Donya Toto (Kisii County), and Nyamira County Speaker Thaddeus Nyabaro, alongside several MCAs.
The leaders reaffirmed the party’s commitment to securing a decisive win for Ndubi, emphasising the importance of combining national party support with strong local representation.
The race intensified on the last day of the campaign with candidates from major parties mobilising their support bases.
The vacancy in the county assembly seat emerged after Thaddeus Nyabaro, the former Member of County Assembly (MCA), was elected Speaker of the Nyamira County Assembly, a move that required him to resign from the ward seat.
On the opposition front, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has Shem Nyanumba Makori, who was officially unveiled by Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Makori’s candidacy signals the opposition’s strategic push to consolidate support in Nyamira County and challenge UDA’s dominance.
The politics of Ekerenyo Ward are shaped by a combination of local development issues, clan dynamics, and voter alignment with national parties.
Historically, the seat has oscillated between different political formations, reflecting a pragmatic electorate that prioritises effective service delivery over party loyalty.
Campaigns often focus on access to essential services, employment opportunities, and community development.
Analysts note that success in Ekerenyo requires candidates to balance the influence of national parties with a strong presence and engagement at the local level, making the ward a microcosm of Kenya’s broader political landscape.
The upcoming by-election comes amid a series of Thursday by-elections across multiple counties, which have attracted nationwide attention.
These contests, driven by vacancies due to deaths, resignations, or promotions, are being closely monitored for insights into shifting political alliances, party machinery effectiveness, and grassroots voter sentiment.
The Ekerenyo race is seen as a critical test for both ruling and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Campaigns have focused on local development issues, service delivery, youth employment, and infrastructure, with candidates highlighting both their track records and party manifestos.
As voters head to the polls, analysts say the outcomes could serve as an early gauge of political trends and the strength of party loyalty in Kenya’s counties, providing a glimpse into the dynamics leading up to the general elections.
