President William Ruto and his allies are basking in the glory of what they have termed a major political triumph following victories in the Malava Constituency and Mbeere North by-elections.
The results, announced on Thursday night, signaled significant wins for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), sending the United Opposition coalition back to strategize after a bruising contest in the two regions.
However, the celebrations were swiftly met with criticism from the opposition. Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna issued a stern warning to President Ruto, insisting that the by-election victories should not be mistaken for national support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking shortly after the results were confirmed, Sifuna argued that the political landscape had shifted and that Kenyans were growing increasingly dissatisfied with the current administration.
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He maintained that the alleged discontent would be reflected in the next general election, cautioning the President against assuming that recent wins translate into long-term political security.
According to Sifuna, the frustrations expressed by citizens across various regions point to a larger political message—one he believes the government is ignoring. He warned that attempts to “force popularity” or rely on state machinery would not succeed, noting that Kenya’s democracy has evolved significantly over the years.
“This is not 2007 or the previous years when leaders clung to power despite public sentiment,” Sifuna said. “Kenyans are tired, and no amount of by-election victory celebrations will change that.”
As UDA leaders continue to celebrate their momentum, the opposition insists that the results should serve as a wake-up call rather than a guarantee of 2027 success. The political temperature is expected to rise as both sides recalibrate their strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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