Ugunja Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi has expressed confidence in President William Ruto's re-election, citing the country's current political momentum as favouring the incumbent. During a development tour, Atandi referred to a recent opinion poll that examined political alignments and popularity trends but dismissed its findings as unreliable. He stated that the real contest ahead of the election will centre on which region can deliver the highest voter turnout for the president.
Atandi's comments come as local leaders in the constituency intensify grassroots campaigns to align with the current administration ahead of the polls. With more than 175,000 registered voters in the constituency, the MP's supporters are urging regional voter mobilisation. Atandi challenged the Nyanza region to maximise its support for President Ruto, setting the stage for a competitive election.
A group of women leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in nearby Ugunja town echoed Atandi's view, declaring strong backing for President Ruto's 2027 re-election bid while affirming loyalty to the party. The women, led by Paulina Atieno Oyule, cited development projects such as affordable housing, road upgrades, and increased recruitment of youth into the Kenya Defence Forces and police as reasons for their support.
The women leaders also praised Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi's rural electrification drive and MP Moses Omondi's timely disbursement of NG-CDF bursaries, urging residents to apply before the deadline. They warned politicians to conduct campaigns peacefully, rejecting abusive language or violence, and pledged to mobilise large numbers of voters for the president, the cabinet secretary, and the MP.
Atandi's confidence in President Ruto's re-election is based on the incumbent's track record, including development projects and appointments. The MP's stance has sparked mixed reactions, with some constituents agreeing with his assessment and others expressing reservations. The election is expected to be a critical test of the president's popularity.
The Ugunja constituency is considered a crucial battleground in the upcoming election, with a significant number of registered voters. Local leaders are working to secure support for President Ruto, while opponents are also mobilising their supporters. The election campaign is expected to be intense, with various factions vying for influence.
As the election approaches, Kenyans are watching the developments in the Ugunja constituency and other key battlegrounds. President Ruto's re-election bid is expected to face stiff competition, but Atandi's comments suggest that the incumbent has a strong chance of securing a second term. The outcome of the election will have significant implications for Kenya's future.
Key points
- President Ruto's re-election bid has received support from some local leaders, including Ugunja MP Samuel Atandi.
- Atandi dismissed recent opinion polls, citing the country's current political momentum as favouring the incumbent.
- The Ugunja constituency is considered a crucial battleground in the upcoming election, with over 175,000 registered voters.
