Leaders of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Mombasa have declared they are gearing up for a fierce political battle against the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the 2027 General Election, signaling a push to end ODM’s long-standing dominance in the coastal county.
Speaking during an end-of-year delegates’ meeting organized by Mombasa County UDA Secretary General Mutunga Wambua, the leaders, aligned to party Secretary General Hassan Omar, said the UDA–ODM cooperation within the broad-based government does not extend to county politics. They ruled out any seat-sharing or negotiations at the local level, insisting the only agreement between the two parties applies to the presidency.
“The UDA and ODM agreement is only at the national level, only at the presidency. Down here, there’s no other agreement, we don’t know of any other party. We only know of UDA.” Wambua claimed.
Wambua, who also serves as a director at the Kenya Pipeline Company, said UDA is preparing to field candidates for all major elective seats in Mombasa, including the governorship, as it intensifies efforts to strengthen grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 race. He argued that aligning county and national leadership under one party would accelerate development.
“Everyone should take their gloves off, come to the electorates, ask for votes. We’re going to ask for votes from MCA to President to be in favour of our party. If we get the governor to be from UDA, Mombasa county is going to benefit hugely.” Said Wambua.
Businessman Abdulkadir Dekow echoed the sentiment, sharply criticizing ODM’s leadership record in the county and accusing the party of failing to deliver despite years of political control. He said the situation presents UDA with an opening to offer alternative leadership and policy direction.
“The current governor, is someone who’s never managed anywhere serious, he was just an MP of an already developed Constituency, now he’s governor, that’s why he’s underperforming. We need to ensure we clinch that seat” Stated Dekow.
Dekow said UDA is mobilizing aggressively at the grassroots and would leave nothing to chance as it prepares for the elections.
“We’re going to support broadbased only at the national level, the rest of the seats it’ll be total war until we emerge winners” Said Dekow.
National Youth Enterprise Development Fund Chairperson Fatma Barayan closed the meeting by urging young people to take an active role in the political process, calling on them to register as voters and help shape the country’s future.
She also appealed to the youth to remain responsible as end-year celebrations usher in 2026, stressing the importance of safety and peaceful festivities to ensure a positive start to the new year.
