UDA Rallies Behind Ruto After Sweeping By-Elections, Fires Back at Opposition Critics.

UDA Rallies Behind Ruto After Sweeping By-Elections, Fires Back at Opposition Critics.

Hassan Omar Hassan addresses journalists during a press briefing at the United Democratic Alliance headquarters after UDA’s victories in the Emurua Dikirr, Endebess and Porro by-elections

By Jeff Oyugi 

Nairobi - May 15, 2026

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has intensified its political momentum after registering victories in the Emurua Dikirr, Endebess and Porro by-elections, with party officials describing the outcomes as a vote of confidence in President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Speaking during a press briefing following the declaration of the results, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said the party was encouraged by what he termed as growing public support for the government despite sustained criticism from opposition leaders and negative narratives circulating on social media platforms.

Hassan said the victories demonstrated that the ruling coalition continued to enjoy widespread backing across different parts of the country, arguing that the electorate was increasingly judging leaders based on development records and policy delivery rather than ethnic or regional politics.

“We are humbled and grateful to the people of Kenya for the continued confidence they are showing in the party and in President William Ruto’s leadership,” Hassan said.

The UDA official noted that the latest wins added to a series of electoral victories the party and its coalition partners had secured since last year. According to him, the party had performed strongly in previous by-elections held in November and February, maintaining what he described as a national political presence.

He attributed the success to coordination within the Kenya Kwanza coalition and partnerships with affiliated parties under the broad alliance supporting the government.

Hassan argued that the ruling coalition had managed to expand beyond traditional political strongholds by positioning itself as a national movement focused on economic transformation and inclusive development.

He dismissed claims by critics that the government was losing popularity, saying the recent electoral outcomes contradicted opinion polls and online criticism targeting the administration.

The UDA Secretary General also took issue with what he termed as divisive politics driven by sections of the opposition, accusing some leaders of mobilising support along ethnic lines instead of presenting issue-based alternatives to Kenyans.

Without naming specific individuals, Hassan criticised politicians who, he said, only sought political relevance within their ethnic strongholds while portraying themselves as national leaders.

He maintained that Kenyans were increasingly rejecting tribal politics in favour of parties with clear development agendas and national appeal.

According to Hassan, the Kenya Kwanza administration’s economic and social programmes were beginning to bear fruit despite global economic challenges that had affected many countries.

He defended the government’s affordable housing programme, universal healthcare reforms and social protection policies, describing them as transformative interventions aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

Hassan said the administration remained committed to state-supported programmes that guarantee affordable healthcare, decent housing and economic dignity for low-income households.

He further praised President Ruto’s growing influence on the international stage, saying Kenya had strengthened its diplomatic standing and become a leading voice in African economic and political affairs.

The UDA official pointed to Kenya’s participation in regional and continental economic discussions as evidence of the country’s expanding global profile under the current administration.

He highlighted ongoing conversations around African economic integration, energy cooperation and financial independence, saying African countries needed to reduce overreliance on Western financial institutions and instead strengthen regional development banks and continental investment frameworks.

Hassan cited Africa’s oil production and refining imbalance as one of the key examples of economic dependency, noting that much of the continent’s crude oil was exported for refining abroad before being re-imported at higher costs.

He said African nations should focus on developing regional refineries, expanding intra-African trade and mobilising local capital to finance development projects.

The remarks come at a time when Kenya and several African countries are grappling with rising fuel prices linked to global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Hassan acknowledged that fuel prices had increased in recent months but defended the government’s handling of the situation, saying Kenya had maintained relatively stable fuel supplies through government-to-government fuel import arrangements.

He argued that the increase in global fuel prices was largely driven by international conflicts and disruptions in global supply chains.

According to the UDA official, the government had cushioned consumers through subsidies and tax interventions aimed at moderating the impact of rising energy costs on households and businesses.

Hassan said the administration would continue engaging international partners while pursuing long-term strategies aimed at enhancing Africa’s economic independence and resilience.

The UDA Secretary General also sought to reassure party supporters that the ruling party remained firmly in control politically ahead of the next General Election.

He dismissed opposition ambitions of unseating the government, insisting that UDA remained the country’s strongest political outfit due to its nationwide structures and governance record.

Hassan further questioned the credibility of some opinion polls suggesting declining support for the ruling coalition, saying previous surveys had underestimated President Ruto’s performance during the 2022 General Election.

He claimed internal party data showed that UDA continued to enjoy significant support across the country and maintained that the opposition would face an uphill battle in attempting to defeat the ruling coalition.

At the same time, the UDA official welcomed the growing participation of young people in electoral processes, saying the party had observed increased youth involvement during the recent by-elections.

He said the government remained focused on creating opportunities for young Kenyans through economic empowerment programmes, job creation initiatives and regional investment partnerships.

Hassan also defended the party’s internal election processes, insisting that UDA nominations and party elections remained free, fair and transparent despite occasional disputes arising from closely contested races.

He acknowledged that competitive elections often generated tensions but maintained that the party had established mechanisms for resolving disputes and ensuring fairness.

Political analysts say the latest by-election victories are likely to strengthen UDA’s confidence as the country gradually enters a new phase of political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The results are also expected to intensify competition between Kenya Kwanza and opposition formations seeking to consolidate support in key regions across the country.

Despite mounting political rhetoric from both sides, observers say the coming months will largely test whether the government can translate its electoral victories into sustained public confidence through improved economic conditions, reduced cost of living pressures and delivery on campaign promises.