Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro Speaking during a political meeting in the county. Photo by Ben Okweingoti. 
By Ben Okweingoti.
Leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kilifi County have downplayed recent political inroads by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), insisting that the coastal region remains a firm stronghold of the opposition party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a political meeting in the county, Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and other ODM leaders urged young people to register as voters in large numbers, saying their participation will be key in shaping the outcome of the next polls.
The leaders maintained that despite recent political activities by rival parties, ODM still enjoys overwhelming support in the region and will intensify grassroots mobilization to safeguard its influence.
Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Mnyazi sought to quell concerns over internal disagreements within the party, describing the wrangles between the “Linda Mwananchi” and “Linda Ground” factions as minor. She said the two camps share a common agenda and will soon unite ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We must protect our stronghold as a party and very soon we shall start vigorous grassroots mobilization to remind our supporters that we are in the game for the long haul. No one should take us for granted,” said Mnyazi, in reference to recent efforts by UDA to gain ground in the area.
Her remarks come just days after Kilifi North MP Owen Baya led a UDA recruitment drive in the region that saw officials from the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party defect to the ruling party. Among those who joined UDA were PAA Secretary General and Ganze MP Kenneth Kazungu Tungule and Rabai MP Kenga Mupe.
The defections signaled a significant shift for the PAA party associated with Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, as some of its key leaders and officials moved to align themselves with UDA.
However, ODM leaders pointed out that political realignments in Kilifi have also worked in their favor. About a month ago, more than 500 PAA delegates and officials defected to ODM and were officially received by Governor Mung’aro, who also serves as the party’s county chairman.
With political alignments already taking shape, Kilifi is emerging as a battleground for influence between major parties as they begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 General Election.
