Top politicians who backed rival candidates in the just-concluded by-elections are facing disciplinary action, including potential removal from party and parliamentary leadership positions.
The mini polls, the Nation has established, have triggered major political fallouts within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), after some of their members openly campaigned for candidates fielded by the United Opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka .
Sources in the broad-based team revealed plans to reorganise Parliamentary leadership to reflect current political realignments following the by-elections in 24 electoral areas.
The broad-based team won a majority of the seats despite facing a major challenge from the United Opposition, which had the support of some rebel ODM and UDA members.
Some politicians targeted for disciplinary action include Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale, and MPs Mohammed Ali (Nyali), Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache), Clive Gesairo (Kitutu Masaba), Majimbo Kalasinga (Kabuchai) and Caleb Amisi (Saboti).
ODM leaders in the county, including Governor Wanga, have been pressuring Mr Magwanga to resign, with an impeachment plot also being considered.
Governor Wanga, who is also ODM National Chairperson, has not hidden her anger towards her deputy, whom she has asked to resign from the county government.
“Someone cannot work in your administration and speak ill of it at the same time because attaining leadership is very difficult. If I employ you to work in this government, then you must work… when the day comes that you feel tired and no longer able to work with the county government, you should feel free to resign to pave the way for others,” Ms Wanga said on Friday.
ODM chairperson, Gladys Wanga.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar has also asked ruling party members who backed rival candidates to resign, saying they should join the parties they supported in the mini-polls.
In Kakamega, Senator Khalwale backed DAP-K’s Seth Panyako against UDA’s David Ndwakwa in the Malava by-election, while Mr Ali (Nyali) supported Stanley Kenga of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) in the Magarini poll.
UDA, which sponsored Mr Ali to Parliament, threw its weight behind Harrison Kombe of ODM in the mini poll.
Dr Khalwale is now targeted for removal as Senate Majority Whip, while MP Ali could lose his Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) position, the Nation has established.
UDA had last month initiated disciplinary proceedings against Mr Khalwale for campaigning against UDA in the Malava by-election.
In a show-cause letter, UDA Disciplinary Committee Chairperson Charles Njenga cited evidence of Dr Khalwale’s political activities, statements and associations which were in total defiance of the party’s position.
“These include but not limited to your open support and participation in the campaigns of a candidate from a different political party and who is competing with the UDA candidate in the scheduled by-election for Member of Parliament, Malava Constituency,” stated the letter.
“Your said participation and activities clearly demonstrate allegiance to another political party and which constitutes conduct unbecoming and disloyalty to the United Democratic Alliance Party (hereafter the UDA party), which nominated you for election to the office and position of Senator of Kakamega County representing it in the Senate of the Republic of Kenya.”
Dr Khalwale, however, told the Nation that the party should clarify whether members are being punished for supporting individuals or political parties.
He accused UDA of double standards, arguing that if punishment were warranted, it should also target members who openly campaigned for ODM candidates.
He noted that the Political Parties Act bars members from promoting a different party, but he supported an individual, not DAP-K.
“If the issue is campaigning for another party, it is on record that many UDA members, including leaders, campaigned for ODM candidates and even promoted the party. In my case, I campaigned for a former UDA vice-chairperson, who is my friend and brother. That is where it began and ended,” said Dr Khalwale.
Makadara MP and ODM Nairobi branch chairperson George Aladw George Aladwa addresses delegates during the party's branch meeting at Pumwani Grounds in Nairobi on November 12, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
In ODM, MPs Amisi, Kibagendi and Gesairo are also facing possible committee reshuffles. Mr Amisi campaigned for a DAP-K candidate in Malava, while Mr Kibagendi and Mr Gesairo backed United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidates in Nyamira against ODM nominees.
Sources in the National Assembly indicate Mr Kibagendi could be removed as Vice Chairperson of the Public Investment Committee – Education and Governance Committee, while Mr Gesairo may be moved to a less influential committee.
An ODM official noted it would be difficult to discipline members for supporting DAP-K and UPA, as the two parties are coalition partners under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. He added that ODM members who campaigned for UDA committed a more serious breach, since there is no coalition agreement between ODM and UDA beyond a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which does not cover elections.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi and Makadara MP George Aladwa said it was unacceptable for party members to back rivals, especially where ODM fielded candidates.
“It is wrong for members to campaign for the opposition when your party has a candidate. It is also wrong for ODM members to campaign for UDA, as we have no coalition agreement,” said Mr Osotsi.
Mr Aladwa added that rebel members should face discipline for defying the party and showing disrespect to leadership. Going forward, those opposing official party positions must resign from ODM.
In Ford Kenya, Mr Kalasinga supported independent candidate Chris Wekesa in the Chwele–Kabuchai Ward by-election. Wekesa defeated Ford Kenya’s Vincent Maundu in the contest.
In Kakamega, Deputy Governor Ayub Savula of DAP-K campaigned against the party’s candidate in Malava, instead backing UDA’s David Ndakwa.
