Dj Vnyash
Micah Kigen, a prominent Rift Valley ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has defected from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to join President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 29, by UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar, following a meeting with Kigen at UDA’s Nairobi headquarters.
Held at Hustler Plaza, the meeting included notable figures such as UDA Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi and party representatives from Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kigen’s home region. Omar welcomed Kigen, stating that President Ruto is committed to listening to Kenyans and addressing their concerns.
During the meeting, Omar symbolically placed a UDA cap on Kigen’s head to mark his official entry into the party. Previously, Kigen served as the ODM chair for Elgeyo Marakwet County and ran for the Keiyo South parliamentary seat on the ODM ticket in 2022, though he did not secure the seat.
Nyakundi encouraged Kigen to rally local support for President Ruto’s administration. UDA leaders praised Kigen for his dedication and resource mobilization, expressing confidence that his joining the party would strengthen UDA’s influence at both regional and national levels.
This move comes shortly after Kigen’s recent meeting with Omar and other Elgeyo Marakwet politicians. It also fuels speculation about a potential ODM and Kenya Kwanza coalition merger, although ODM leaders, led by Chairperson Gladys Wanga, denied any plans to merge, reaffirming ODM’s role in the opposition. Wanga assured that ODM intends to field candidates in all positions, including the presidency, in the 2027 general elections.
Silverio Omari
