Leaders supporting the broad-based government have differed in opinion on the correct term to use when referring to their candidates participating in the November 27 by-election.
On one hand, some leaders want the politicians to be called “broad-based candidates” as a show of solidarity in the new working relationship between the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
However, some officials from the Orange party cautioned their members against using this reference, saying it will cause confusion during voting in the mini-poll.
Leadership at the party expressed concerns that the use of the new term, coined after President William Ruto and the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga agreed to work together, will lower ODM’s chances of winning elective seats in different constituencies where it enjoys substantial support.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna stated that “broad-based candidates” should never be used during the campaign unless the party wants to lose in the by-election.
“Broad-based is not a party; that means it has no candidates,” he said.
According to Mr Sifuna, some voters, especially the elderly who are not well-informed, do not know the names of the candidates they intend to vote for but are familiar with the political party they support and its symbol. They would ask for assistance to mark their ballot papers.
“They will say they want to vote for the ODM party. There will be confusion if a voter says they want to cast a ballot for ‘broad-based.’ We do not have a political party called ‘broad-based,’” the ODM official explained.
On Friday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, while in Homa Bay, stated that the broad-based coalition is working hard to ensure that candidates sponsored by the alliance emerge victorious in the upcoming by-elections.
ODM Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, addresses residents of Funyula at Bukiri Primary School in Busia County on February 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Prof Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement have agreed to back candidates from either party in the upcoming polls and called on voters to turn out in large numbers to support them.
“We have all agreed to work together and fully support all our broad-based candidates in the coming by-elections. The agreement signed by President Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga has allowed us to support candidates sponsored by either of our parties,” Prof Kindiki stated.
The by-elections are scheduled for November 27 and will be held in various electoral areas, including Kasipul, Ugunja, Malava, Mbeere North, Banisa, and Magarini constituencies.
Prof Kindiki confirmed that ODM candidates in Kasipul, Ugunja, and Magarini enjoy the full support of the broad-based coalition.
The same support extends to UDA aspirants in Malava, Banisa, Mbeere North, and Baringo.
In Kasipul, the ODM candidate is Boyd Were, the son of the late former legislator Ong’ondo Were.
“We are one team, and here in Kasipul, we are fully supporting the ODM candidate. We are also doing the same in Ugunja and Magarini, as well as in all the areas where UDA candidates are carrying our flags,” the Deputy President said.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga described Mr Were as a joint candidate and a powerful symbol of the strategic partnership between ODM and UDA.
“We have agreed as a broad-based team to have broad-based candidates in Malava, Banisa, Mbeere North, and Baringo. We have also agreed to have broad-based candidates under ODM in Kasipul, Ugunja, and Magarini, and we will continue to walk together,” she said.
Mr Sifuna, however, warned that using the term “broad-based candidates” will confuse voters.
Speaking during a delegates’ meeting in Mombasa on Saturday, the ODM Secretary-General urged leaders to refrain from using the term “broad-based candidates” during campaigns.
“We don’t want people to bring confusion in this election unless they want our candidates to fail. We need to campaign as ODM. Our ideologies and colours are known,” the ODM official stated.
ODM interim party leader Oburu Oginga, deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nasir, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga attended the meeting.
Ms Odinga expressed that the party should remain united and have enough influence to give it bargaining power ahead of the 2027 election.
She stated that the party has presented contestants in the forthcoming by-election as ODM candidates.
“We are going for the race as Orange. There is no party called ‘broad-based.’ Others will compete as UDA, and we will go as ODM,” the legislator emphasised.
Dr Oginga called on ODM members to support him as he leads the party following the death of his brother.
According to the Siaya senator, the party has no intention of being in the opposition after the 2027 General Election.
“We will form a government or be a part of it. We will not be a party that will be out of government,” Dr Oginga affirmed.
Mr Sifuna cautioned leaders from the Orange party against using the by-election campaigns to consolidate support for President Ruto.
According to the ODM official, the party has not yet decided how it will participate in the 2027 presidential election.
“We do not have a presidential election on November 27. Therefore, when campaigning, do not use the platform to campaign for a second term,” he advised.
In Kasipul, Prof Kindiki and other leaders urged voters to support President Ruto, who is seeking a second term in office.
At the same time, the Deputy President remarked that campaigns for the 2027 elections have not yet begun, stating that the focus is on delivering development and fulfilling all promises made to the people.
“When the time comes, we will be more than ready to showcase our development record. We will present our development achievements to the people. Do not be misled by those who have nothing to offer,” the Deputy President said.
Ms Wanga affirmed that her party is in government to stay, as guided by the late party leader.
“Baba left us inside the broad-based government. It is where we will remain as the Orange Democratic Movement,” Governor Wanga concluded.
Prof Kindiki noted that the government is working to ensure it completes development projects in the Nyanza region.
He announced that up to Sh2 billion has been allocated to Homa Bay for last-mile electricity connections, targeting 26,000 new households.
The Deputy President further revealed that Sh15.8 billion has also been disbursed for the construction of fresh produce and fish markets, affordable housing, and hostels for learning institutions in the county.
