The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has suffered a major blow in Siaya County after many of its members and officials quit the party to join the newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
The defectors say they are unhappy with UDA’s national leadership, accusing it of ignoring grassroots members and failing to keep its promises.
Siaya is traditionally a stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), but UDA had been trying to recruit heavily in the area.
It once aimed to register 300,000 members in the county by the end of 2023. Now, the recent departures point to frustration among local UDA leaders and supporters.
The DCP, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, is quickly gaining popularity among those leaving UDA.
Launched on May 15, 2025, DCP has key figures like former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala as Deputy Party Leader and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi as National Organising Secretary.
The party is especially attracting supporters in Western Kenya, including Kakamega County, where similar defections were reported in May.
This isn’t the first sign of trouble in UDA, In June, the party summoned two nominated MCAs from Nyeri and Nairobi for allegedly supporting DCP. And back in March 2023, UDA offices in Siaya were burned down in a suspected political attack.
UDA has not yet responded to the news of the defections. However, the party has in the past said it is working to improve its grassroots support and resolve internal issues.
Earlier this year, UDA merged with the Amani National Congress (ANC), naming ANC leader Issa Timamy as one of its deputy leaders, hoping to widen its appeal. Still, the latest events in Siaya suggest those efforts may not be enough.
By Kenyans