Blow To Kingi as PAA Officials and Supporters Cross Over to ODM

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Political realignments in the Coast region continue to reshape the balance of power as parties position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Beneath the surface of public rallies and unity meetings, quiet shifts have been taking place, signalling changing loyalties among grassroots leaders and long time supporters.

Over the weekend, several officials and supporters affiliated with the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) announced their decision to abandon the party and join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), dealing a setback to PAA leader and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.

The defections were witnessed in parts of Kilifi and Mombasa counties, where ODM leaders received the new members during local meetings and community forums.

Those who crossed over cited dissatisfaction with PAA’s direction, claiming the party had lost touch with grassroots concerns at the Coast.

Some officials accused the party’s leadership of concentrating power at the top while neglecting county level structures that were crucial to its initial growth.

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Others said ODM offered a clearer political vision and stronger national presence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during one of the receptions, an ODM county official said the influx of former PAA members demonstrated growing confidence in ODM’s leadership and agenda.

He added that the party was focused on rebuilding its Coast support base and providing a platform for leaders who felt sidelined elsewhere.

Former PAA officials who defected maintained that their move was not driven by personal gain but by what they described as the need to align with a party capable of addressing economic hardship, unemployment and development challenges facing the region.

They said ODM’s long-standing structures and history of opposition politics made it a more suitable vehicle for pushing Coast interests nationally.

The defections are a blow to Kingi, who has worked to position PAA as a dominant regional party at the Coast since its formation.

PAA has previously argued that regional parties offer a stronger bargaining position in national politics, especially when forming coalitions.

However, recent developments suggest the party may be struggling to retain unity as competition for influence intensifies.

Political analysts say the shift reflects broader realignments ahead of 2027, with established parties such as ODM seeking to reclaim traditional strongholds while newer outfits fight to remain relevant.

They note that while individual defections may not immediately change electoral outcomes, sustained exits could weaken PAA’s grassroots networks.

As the campaign season slowly gathers momentum, the Coast region is once again emerging as a key battleground, with parties scrambling to secure loyalty, rebuild trust and shape the political narrative.