UDA steps up bid to solidify support in Homa Bay

UDA officials during a party membership registration drive at Elite Primary School in Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County. [James Omoro, Standard]

President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has intensified efforts to bolster support in Homa Bay County ahead of the second round of elections for officials.

The party will conduct elections for delegates at the wards on Saturday in a bid to build structures at the grassroots to solidify support.

This comes as UDA registers success in its membership drive having bagged key opposition figures including former ODM leader Raila Odinga's aide, Silas Jakakimba.

On Thursday, party officials were finalising preparations for the elections of 20 coordinators for the 40 wards in the county.

Aggrey Otore, the UDA coordinator for Nyanza said that they are expecting about 18,000 members to participate in the polls.

"We are growing as a party and we are keen to ensure that the elections run smoothly. We have put all measures in place to ensure it is a success," he said.

Otore was confident that UDA is making significant progress in the recruitment of members.

"UDA is growing stronger in Nyanza and we are keen to turn Homa Bay into a battleground where we will produce elected leaders," he said.

Odoyo Owidi, a UDA operative who is also the Chairman of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency said the party is gaining ground in the Nyanza region.

Owidi believes that ODM's popularity has started shrinking.

It remains to be seen how ODM will counter the UDA recruitment drive in the region even as it plans grassroots elections.