Expect stiff contest between UDA, ODM in 2027 – Outa

Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary Fred Outa has predicted a tough duel between ODM and UDA in the 2027 general election in Nyanza.

Outa said with UDA making inroads in the region which has long been regarded as an ODM stronghold, the contest will be stiff.

"I want to say that the ODM party must prepare for a fight with the UDA party in elective positions in this region," he said.

Outa who kicked off UDA party recruitment membership in Kisumu said the democratic space now allows everyone to join any party of their choice.

He said the UDA party has made significant strides in the Nyanza region owing to the number of people turning up for registration.

He spoke on Thursday when he led the recruitment drive in Muhoroni with 1,300 new members getting registered.

"The momentum is good, the outcome of new members, without being coerced is fantastic," Outa said.

He said the administration of President Ruto means well for Kenyans and should be supported to deliver its pre-election pledges.

Outa said the issue of 1.5 per cent tax for housing shouldn't be politicized.

"The housing levy targets those who are working. Let you not be mobilized to go and demonstrate, yet you don't have a payslip," he said.

He said tax must be paid noting that the hustlers should only be worried about the cost of maize flour.

"What we should be asking the government is lowering the cost of essential goods not about the housing levy," he said.

Agriculture and Food Authority board director Samuel Ongou who accompanied him reiterated the need to have the UDA party winning seats in Kisumu.

"In 2027, we must have minority seats in the county assembly alongside other elective positions, we must deliver that," said Ongou.

He said the strengthening and marketing of the party at the grassroots level is one surest way to endear it to the locals as an alternative vehicle besides the ODM party in the region.

The team heads to Nyakach subcounty for a similar exercise until their cover all the seven subcounties in Kisumu.