Tensions are rising within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as officials from the coastal region voiced their concerns on Sunday, accusing the party of neglecting them in favor of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Speaking during the demonstrations held within the central business district in Mombasa County, the leaders argued that despite their loyalty, ODM was receiving more attention in government dealings and decision-making processes.
The frustrated officials also pointed out the unfulfilled promises made by President William Ruto, expressing disappointment that key commitments had not yet been realised. With the next general election approaching, they cautioned that ongoing neglect could lead to a significant loss of support for UDA in the region.
Moreover, they criticised Ruto’s increasing political partnership with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, contending that it should not come at the expense of UDA’s original members.
They urged the President to focus on strengthening the party’s grassroots structures instead of undermining them with his new political strategies.
Additionally, they called on Ruto to make addressing pressing issues like unemployment a priority, warning that an exclusive focus on political appointments for a select few would alienate the youth who are grappling with joblessness and economic challenges.
''We have seen that he has decided to work with Raila Odinga, and we are happy about the same. But we are saying that the partnership should be based on service delivery to the citizens and not one where people come together to award jobs such as CSs, PSs and not a recruitment exercise for leaders,'' said Sammir Abdala Omar, the UDA County Coordinator in Mombasa.
The disgruntled members also decried that whenever Ruto visits the county, they often end up being sidelined in the organization of the events with their ODM counterparts being preferred.
Furthermore, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho was not spared the onslaught, with the leaders claiming that he has been sidelining their members during major state events organized by the President.
''As a CS representing the whole country, you were appointed because of the broad-based government arrangement, you should be representing us. If the President comes to Mombasa you should stop the favouritism,'' an official added.
The developments come at a time the President is said to be keen on a more engaging partnership with Odinga, following his loss at the African Union Commission chairpersonship race.
Odinga himself appears to be keen on more working partnership with Ruto, even though he indicated that he would inform his supporters what cause of action he will be taking after engaging his party members across the country.
On Sunday, he was in Mombasa where he was hosted by the area Governor Abdulswammad Nassir, where he challenged the government to address the ills facing the country including the confusion in the healthcare sector.
