Interim United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar on Tuesday welcomed several Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) defectors from Marsabit County as the ruling party moves to strengthen itself ahead of the 2027 elections.
The leaders, drawn mainly from the minority Burji community announced their political decision after holding consultative talks with UDA Party Secretary Genera Omar at the UDA headquarters in Nairobi.
The leaders pledged their loyalty to President William Ruto during which they promised to support the Head of State's initiatives across the country.
Omar, while welcoming the new leaders reiterated the position that the political outfit is looking to build towards a national outlook which includes being welcoming and giving a voice to minority groups.
During the meeting, the former Mombasa Senator announced that a department has been established in the party to oversee the interests of demographics across the country.
Omar also stated that UDA and the government are speeding efforts to improve the potential of ASAL regions in the country.
The specific areas mentioned by Omar include; agriculture, commerce, and economic growth, in line with the UDA manifesto.
The recent defections come weeks after President William Ruto's development tour of the Nyanza region. During the tour, the Head of State was welcomed by ODM stalwarts such as Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and his energy counterpart Opiyo Wandayi.
President Ruto is gearing for a tough election in 2027 which has necessitated him to explore all options with every vote expected to count in what is projected to be Kenya's toughest election.
The Head of State has all but secured ODM leader Raila Odinga's support after officially launching the latter's African Union Commission (AUC) bid at State House, Nairobi.
The decision to appoint, Hassan Ali Joho, a politician from the Coast as Mining Cabinet Secretary is expected to go a long way towards ensuring President Ruto grows his supporter base at the Coast.
The attention now turns to other parts of the country.