Former Migori gubernatorial aspirant, Byron Oginga, has announced his decision to run for the position of County Youth Representative under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the upcoming grassroots elections, set for January 2024.
At 31 years old, Oginga is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and a strong proponent of leadership transformation. His bid for the County Youth Representative seat is driven by his vision to bring a fresh perspective to local governance, focusing on policies and initiatives that prioritize the youth in decision-making.
In an exclusive interview with KTMN.co.ke, Oginga expressed confidence in the changing political dynamics in Migori, noting that the dominance of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Nyanza is gradually diminishing. He called on young people to embrace the Kenya Kwanza administration, emphasizing the need for leadership that aligns with the aspirations and needs of the younger generation.
“We are optimistic that the upcoming elections will offer a platform for credible and inclusive leadership. The youth possess the potential to bring transformative change to our county. It’s time to move away from the old political establishment and bring in leaders who genuinely understand the challenges facing young people today,” Oginga remarked.
He also stressed the need for renewed leadership in the party, citing the expulsion of prominent leaders, such as Cleophas Malala from ODM, as an example of the shifting political landscape. “We need to move forward and infuse our leadership with youth who are ready to drive meaningful change,” he added.
Oginga also appealed to President William Ruto and the broader Kenya Kwanza government to fulfill their promises to the youth of Kenya. He expressed his confidence that with youthful leadership at the county level, Migori could experience positive change, fostering economic growth and development.
In June 2023, UDA postponed its grassroots elections, rescheduling them for January 2024. While the logistics of the election, including the body that will oversee the process, are still to be confirmed, the polls are expected to take place once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is fully constituted.
Oginga’s candidacy is part of a growing movement among the youth in Kenya, seeking to take charge of their political future and influence governance. His decision to run for the County Youth Representative seat aligns with a wider push for greater youth participation in political leadership at both the local and national levels.
Meanwhile, the absence of a fully constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), like other political parties, faces a few challenges and uncertainties regarding the conduct of its planned grassroots elections. Here are some of the key issues and possible scenarios that UDA, and other political parties, might face:
1. Delays in Elections:
- The IEBC is constitutionally mandated to oversee elections, including party elections that involve public representatives. If the IEBC is not yet fully constituted, UDA and other parties would have to wait for the commission’s full membership to be appointed. This could lead to further delays in the party’s planned grassroots elections, which are already rescheduled to January 2024.
- UDA might face pressure to conduct its elections in a timely manner to maintain momentum in the political race, especially as other political activities unfold, such as preparations for the 2027 general elections.
2. Lack of Oversight and Legitimacy:
- If the IEBC is not involved in overseeing these grassroots elections, UDA may have to seek an alternative body or internal mechanisms to handle the election process. This could include forming an independent electoral board or using existing party structures.
- However, the absence of IEBC oversight could raise concerns about transparency, fairness, and credibility. This may lead to legal challenges or disputes from party members, opposition parties, or the public regarding the legitimacy of the process.
3. Possible Alternative Oversight Mechanisms:
- While IEBC’s constitutionality and statutory responsibilities may be in limbo, UDA might turn to other electoral bodies or mechanisms that have been used historically for internal party elections. For instance:
- The Registrar of Political Parties could step in to provide oversight for internal party processes, ensuring they follow legal guidelines.
- Alternatively, independent election observers, if authorized, might help monitor the party elections to assure the public of transparency and fairness.
4. Internal Party Leadership Handling:
- If the elections are postponed due to the IEBC’s absence, UDA might rely more heavily on its internal leadership and governance structures to manage the election process. This could involve the National Elections Board (NEB) of the party, which is typically tasked with managing internal elections and ensuring party rules and guidelines are followed.
- If the IEBC is unavailable, UDA would likely strengthen its internal mechanisms to maintain its image as a party capable of organizing democratic and fair elections.
5. Strategic Shift in Campaign Messaging:
- With delays and uncertainty regarding the IEBC, UDA may focus its efforts on advocacy, building party structures, and strengthening grassroots support in the interim. This could involve an increased focus on youth mobilization, public engagement, and pre-election activities that don’t require the oversight of an official electoral body.
- UDA could also work to shore up its appeal among undecided voters by aligning with the Kenya Kwanza government’s agenda and its promises for youth empowerment, job creation, and local economic development.
6. Legal and Constitutional Challenges:
- The absence of IEBC oversight could lead to legal challenges from party members, other political actors, or civil society groups, particularly if there are perceived flaws in the electoral process. UDA might need to navigate potential legal hurdles if their elections are challenged in court.
- Political transparency and legitimacy would be key considerations for UDA to avoid legal disputes and reputational damage.
7. Pressure for Timely Elections:
- With the 2027 general elections fast approaching, UDA’s grassroots elections would need to occur smoothly to ensure that the party has the right candidates in place for the next general elections. If the party is unable to elect strong, well-supported youth representatives and other local leaders, it could impact its preparedness for the larger political race.
In summary, UDA will likely face delays, uncertainty, and the need for creative solutions to conduct its grassroots elections without the IEBC in place. The party will need to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability, possibly using alternative mechanisms or seeking legal guidance to ensure that the elections remain legitimate and in line with Kenya’s electoral laws.
