UDA Celebrates By-Election Sweep, Defends Reforms and Decries ‘Political Intimidation’

UDA Celebrates By-Election Sweep, Defends Reforms and Decries ‘Political Intimidation’

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar addresses journalists at the party’s Nairobi headquarters on Friday, outlining the party’s stance following the by-election victories.

By Jeff Oyugi.

Nairobi - November 28, 2025

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary-General Hassan Omar has hailed the party's performance in the recently concluded by-elections as a “resounding vote of confidence” in President William Ruto’s administration, while issuing a stern warning to political actors he accused of incitement and intimidation of institutions.

Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Omar said the party had secured 12 out of the 21 seats it contested, while allied formations within the broader Bottom-Up Development Government (BDG) coalition won six more giving the ruling side what he described as “an almost super majority” across the country.

Omar, who was flanked by members of the party secretariat, thanked voters “who supported the Union” and extended appreciation even to those who did not vote for UDA, saying their participation strengthened Kenya’s democracy.

“This election was like a test,” he said. “In other democracies, by-elections often punish governments. Instead, Kenyans expressed renewed confidence in our agenda.”

Omar attributed the victories to what he called the visible impact of the government’s development programs particularly in historically marginalized regions.

He said that in many areas, the contest was not between UDA and the opposition, but “between UDA and Kenyans who have felt the government’s development footprint for the first time since independence.”

Citing infrastructure, health care, access to water, fertilizer subsidies and economic reforms, Omar said residents of arid and semi-arid counties were now seeing “tangible transformation.”

He highlighted ongoing water projects including the Northern Collector expansion as evidence of the administration’s determination to bring “the entire country into the development matrix.”

The Secretary General strongly defended the government’s economic direction, saying reforms had strengthened the shilling, boosted foreign reserves to $11 billion, reprofiled major debts including the SGR loan and shifted agricultural subsidies toward production rather than consumption.

He dismissed critics of the administration especially those he described as Nairobi-based commentators who rely on “uninformed social media narratives.”

“Some of the critiques reflect acute ignorance,” Omar said. “The government was brave enough to implement universal health care and affordable housing because we believe every Kenyan deserves dignity.”

He added that global institutions such as the World Bank and IMF had given Kenya a positive outlook, “not because of politics, but because of the reforms.”

In a lengthy and unusually direct segment of his address, Omar launched strong criticism at an unnamed opposition figure whom he accused of sustained incitement and attempts to recreate “the theatrics of June 2024 and June 2025.”

He claimed the politician continued to rely on threats of violence to remain politically relevant.

“The overwhelming majority of Kenyans have rejected your message of intimidation,” he said. “Even your own youth between 18 and 35 refused to turn up. Your fallacies are now public knowledge.”

Omar said the state would not tolerate any threats to peace, insisting that “the monopoly of violence rests solely with the state.”

The UDA Secretary General also condemned attacks on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) vice-chairperson and other constitutional bodies by political actors he accused of attempting to coerce institutions.

“A man with no wit or vision cannot cast aspersions on a 31-year-old woman who has risen above marginalization to serve as IEBC vice-chair,” he said. “We urge independent institutions to remain firm and not fall into intimidation.”

Omar insisted UDA valued the independence of constitutional bodies and wanted them to work without fear or interference.

Addressing internal politics, Omar challenged elected leaders who have openly supported rival candidates to “resign and seek fresh mandates,” saying party discipline is essential.

“If you believe you are brave, step down and face us in a by-election,” he declared.“This party is built on ideological and infrastructural strength. Membership comes with obligations.”

He added that UDA remained the largest political organization in the country, with both physical and ideological systems guiding its operations.

Responding to questions from journalists, Omar downplayed concerns about slim victory margins in constituencies like Malava and Mbeere.

He cited historical voting patterns, noting that both regions have always produced close contests.

“Margins in these seats have been narrow for years. That is the nature of their local dynamics, not a sign of declining popularity,” he said.

Omar also appealed to the media and public to help cultivate a culture of critical thinking and issue-based debate.

He warned against sensationalism, online toxicity, and what he called “Twitter-handle politics,” urging Kenyans to read, engage constructively, and avoid being drawn into incitement.

“We must build a country of thinkers,” he said. “Every Kenyan today claims to be an expert on everything. Let us debate sincerely and with sobriety.”

The Secretary General concluded his briefing by reiterating UDA’s commitment to uniting the country, supporting women leadership, and advancing a Pan-African vision that includes dismantling colonial-era divisions and strengthening the East African Federation.

He wished Kenyans a peaceful start to the month of December, saying the by-election results had energized the party and reinforced its belief in the BDG development agenda.