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Ruto’s UDA and Roba’s UDM Lock Horns Ahead of 2027 Elections

MANDERA, KENYA— President William Ruto’s February 4, 2025, visit to Mandera has intensified a fierce rivalry between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Senator Ali Roba’s United Democratic Movement (UDM). The historically opposition-leaning region is now a battleground for political control, with both parties scrambling to secure support ahead of Kenya’s 2027 general elections.

UDA’s recent push into Mandera began with the inauguration of its local office on February 2. Secretary General Hassan Omar and Governor Abdi Guyo led the event, pledging infrastructure upgrades and improved security. Governor Guyo, who joined UDA in 2023 after defecting from Jubilee, emphasized a shift toward “practical governance,” citing efforts to drill boreholes for pastoralists. Critics, however, question the timing of UDA’s sudden focus on Mandera.

Senator Ali Roba, UDM’s leader and a former Mandera governor, dismissed the promises as opportunistic. He accused UDA of prioritizing votes over genuine progress. “Their sudden interest reeks of desperation, not compassion,” Roba stated, referencing years of neglect by national parties. His remarks resonate with locals who remain skeptical of political pledges.

During his visit, Ruto outlined plans to address Mandera’s challenges. He vowed to enhance security patrols to combat banditry. He also pledged new schools for marginalized communities and upgrades to roads linking Mandera with Ethiopia and Somalia. While some residents welcomed the attention, others dismissed it as election-year theatrics.

A viral social media post by a Mandera youth captured widespread frustration: “We need water, jobs, and safety—not another office opening.” The sentiment reflects deeper divisions. Younger voters demand tangible results over rhetoric, while older generations cling to UDM’s legacy as a grassroots movement.

The clash highlights ideological contrasts. UDA frames itself as a national party leveraging federal resources to drive development. UDM positions itself as Mandera’s shield against outsider agendas. With the 2027 polls approaching, the region’s votes could sway Kenya’s political direction.

Security remains a pressing concern due to sporadic cross-border conflicts. Economic growth is equally critical, with calls to expand livestock markets and cross-border trade. Observers argue both parties must address systemic inequities to gain trust.

For UDA, Ruto’s high-profile visit is a gamble to erode UDM’s base. For UDM, retaining loyalty depends on proving its local impact. As tensions rise, Mandera’s residents watch closely. The 2027 elections will reveal whether development pledges or distrust of “outsiders” shape the outcome.

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