The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a political blow after Lurambi MP Titus Khamala defected to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Khamala, currently serving his second term in Parliament, announced his move during a meeting held at his Shibuli home on Sunday night following a four-hour discussion.
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Leaders from the Western region presidential campaign team supporting President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid welcomed him to the party.
Among those present were Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, who serves as the deputy regional coordinator, as well as MPs Mary Emase (Teso South), Fred Ikana (Shinyalu), Kakai Bisau (Kiminini) and Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala.
Khamala said his decision to join UDA was aimed at strengthening President Ruto’s support in the Western region ahead of the next general election.
“Today I have officially joined UDA after leaving ODM. This marks the start of my campaign to rally support for President Ruto in this region in pursuit of development,” he said.
He explained that he was first elected in 2017 on Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC ticket before joining ODM ahead of the 2022 election, hoping the Azimio La Umoja coalition would form the government.
“Unfortunately that did not happen, and I do not want to be left behind again,” Khamala added.
A group of teachers from the constituency also attended the event and pledged to support Ruto’s re-election bid.
Savula claimed that Khamala’s defection is just the beginning, saying more than ten MPs from various parties, including ODM, are expected to join UDA soon.
He praised Khamala for his decision, likening him to a giraffe that can see far ahead and recognise where the future lies.
Meanwhile, ODM appears to be divided internally, with one faction led by Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga backing President Ruto’s re-election, while another group led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna aligns itself with the emerging opposition coalition.
Savula argued that the government’s development projects in Western Kenya have strengthened Ruto’s position in the region, which has over 2.6 million voters.
Adagala criticised the opposition, saying it lacks a clear agenda for the country.
“You cannot build a political agenda around the slogan ‘Ruto must go’ or a one-term narrative. Where is the opposition’s shadow cabinet?” she posed.
Emase said support for Ruto in Western Kenya is growing steadily as the 2027 General Election approaches.
Bisau added that the region should fully align itself with the government, while Ikana maintained that the opposition stands little chance of gaining votes in Western due to the absence of a clear manifesto.
