Aasai

A political event hosted by Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi descended into chaos after UDA party members clashed, exposing deep-seated rifts within President William Ruto’s party. The incident, which unfolded in Uasin Gishu County, has intensified concerns over growing factionalism within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

A Rally Turns Chaotic

What was meant to be a strategic political gathering turned into a battlefield as rival UDA supporters exchanged bitter words before engaging in physical confrontations. Witnesses at the event reported that tension had been brewing even before the first speeches were delivered, with factions openly displaying hostility toward one another.

According to sources, disagreements erupted over issues such as leadership wrangles, access to party resources, and allegations of favoritism in upcoming party nominations. The situation escalated when a group of attendees attempted to drown out a speaker affiliated with a rival camp, leading to a verbal exchange that quickly spiraled into pushing and shoving.

Police officers deployed to the venue had to step in to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. However, by then, the damage had already been done, with some party members leaving the venue in frustration.

The Factions Within UDA

The chaos at Oscar Sudi’s event is the latest indicator of tensions within UDA, particularly between two emerging camps—one reportedly aligned with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the other with President William Ruto’s inner circle.

Gachagua has been vocal about his push for Mt. Kenya’s share of power within UDA, often referring to it as the region’s "political debt." His remarks have not sat well with a section of UDA leaders from Rift Valley, who believe that Ruto should not be pressured into making 2027 political deals this early.

In the Rift Valley, where UDA enjoys massive support, some leaders are said to be positioning themselves as potential successors to Ruto should he secure a second term. This power struggle has resulted in increased political jostling, with MPs like Sudi, Caleb Kositany, and Senator Jackson Mandago caught in the middle.

Sudi’s Response and Political Implications

In his address after the fracas, Oscar Sudi sought to downplay the incident, calling it "a minor misunderstanding" among passionate supporters.

"Politics is a game of interests, and sometimes people disagree. But in UDA, we remain united behind President Ruto’s vision," he said.

However, analysts argue that the tensions reflect a growing power struggle that could define UDA’s political future. Political expert Mark Bii noted that such incidents should not be ignored, as they indicate fractures that could weaken the party’s dominance in Rift Valley and beyond.

"These divisions are not new, but they are becoming more visible. If not addressed, they could create openings for the opposition to exploit ahead of the 2027 elections," Bii said.

What’s Next for UDA?

The chaotic scenes at Sudi’s event have fueled speculation about a possible power shift within UDA. With some leaders pushing for a restructuring of party leadership, the big question remains: Can UDA maintain unity, or will internal conflicts derail its dominance?

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has repeatedly called for party cohesion, urging leaders to settle disputes internally rather than through public confrontations. However, his own positioning within the party remains a contentious issue, with critics accusing him of stoking regional politics.

As 2027 approaches, UDA will have to work hard to keep its house in order, or risk losing the stronghold it has built over the years.

The chaos at Oscar Sudi’s event is a wake-up call for UDA leadership to address internal divisions before they escalate further. While the party remains the dominant political force in Kenya, recent events suggest that its unity is being tested.

With political alliances shifting and ambitions rising, will UDA emerge stronger, or are these cracks signs of a looming split?

Only time will tell.