Dr Odhiambo chaired a meeting of UDA aspirants drawn from different elective positions and constituencies in Migori, with discussions focusing on strengthening party membership, grassroots mobilisation and ensuring aspirants are adequately prepared for the electoral contest.
The meeting comes with 364 days remaining to the 2027 General Elections, signalling an increasingly competitive phase in Migori’s political landscape as parties and prospective candidates intensify their efforts to build support ahead of the polls.
A key issue discussed during the meeting was the question of political zoning, with the aspirants unanimously reaffirming their opposition to any arrangement that would predetermine which region, constituency or individual should be granted preference for particular elective positions.
The aspirants argued that zoning could undermine the democratic principle that gives voters the power to determine their leaders through the ballot.
Dr Odhiambo said UDA must provide a level playing field for all aspirants seeking elective positions under the party, insisting that the strength of the party in Migori would depend on its ability to embrace internal democracy and allow voters to make the final decision.
“We remain committed to a free, fair and democratic process where every aspirant has an equal opportunity to seek the support of the people through the ballot,” Dr Odhiambo said.
She said the meeting was also intended to assess the preparedness of UDA aspirants and identify areas requiring greater coordination as the party seeks to expand its presence across Migori County.
According to Dr Odhiambo, membership registration and grassroots mobilisation will remain central to the party’s strategy in the months ahead.
She urged UDA supporters and prospective members to actively participate in the party’s activities and strengthen its structures at the grassroots, saying a strong political organisation must be built from the villages and polling stations upwards.
The aspirants also discussed the importance of maintaining unity within the party while allowing healthy competition among candidates seeking various elective positions.
Dr Odhiambo said political competition should not be interpreted as division, arguing that aspirants can pursue their individual ambitions while remaining committed to the broader interests of the party and the people of Migori.
She maintained that the democratic process must allow every qualified aspirant to present his or her agenda to voters without restrictions based on political agreements made outside the ballot.
The anti-zoning position could inject fresh dynamics into the emerging political contest in Migori, where parties are expected to deploy elaborate strategies to consolidate support across the county’s diverse political constituencies.
For UDA, the challenge will be to balance the ambitions of individual aspirants with the need to establish a coherent countywide campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dr Odhiambo said the party’s preparations should therefore focus on building structures, registering members, mobilising voters and presenting credible candidates, rather than relying on predetermined political arrangements.
She further called on aspirants to conduct their campaigns responsibly and focus on issues affecting residents, including employment, healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
The gubernatorial aspirant said Migori residents deserve an election in which competing candidates are judged on their track records, policies, leadership credentials and ability to deliver development.
She added that UDA’s commitment to internal democracy should extend from the nomination process to the general election, giving voters the ultimate authority to determine who represents them.
“Our commitment is to a process where the people have the final say. Every aspirant should be allowed to present their vision, mobilise support and compete fairly. Ultimately, it is the voters who should decide through the ballot,” she said.
The meeting is part of the increasingly intensive political activity in Migori as aspirants begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dr Odhiambo, who is seeking the UDA ticket for the Migori gubernatorial race, has in recent months intensified her engagement with grassroots supporters as she seeks to build a countywide political network.
She said the latest meeting demonstrated the determination of UDA aspirants to prepare early and participate actively in shaping the party’s electoral strategy.
As the countdown to the elections continues, the aspirants resolved to strengthen their engagement with residents, expand party membership and intensify grassroots mobilisation while advocating for an open and competitive nomination process.
Dr Odhiambo said the party’s immediate priority should be to create an environment in which aspirants can compete on the basis of ideas and popularity, rather than political zoning.
She reiterated that the ballot, and not political agreements made behind closed doors, should ultimately determine the will of the people.
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