UDA Appoints Ex-Governor Okoth Obado As Luo Nyanza Manager

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on Friday, October 27 appointed former Migori Governor Okoth Obado as its Luo Nyanza Manager ahead of its anticipated party elections.

In a statement, UDA, while confirming Obado's appointment, termed him as crucial in terms of steering operations at the President William Ruto-led party.

Obado will thus take charge of the affairs of the ruling party in Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay Counties.

He was hosted by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala at the party's headquarters in Nairobi where photos showed him signing what looked like a contract.

UDA Secretary-General, Cleophas Malala hosts former Migori Governor Okoth Obado at UDA headquarters in Nairobi on October 27, 2023. /UDA KENYA

"Former Migori Governor, Hon. Okoth Obado has been confirmed as the UDA Luo Nyanza Manager (Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Homabay Counties) by the Secretary-General, Sen. Cleophas Malalah at the Party headquarters this Friday afternoon," UDA stated in part.

One of Obado's key roles will be to bolster recruitment exercises on behalf of the party in a matter that sees him venture into the political backyard of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.

He will also oversee the party election activities, which have been slated for December 8.

"In his address, Hon. Obado pledged to work round the clock and in close collaboration with like-minded leaders from the Nyanza Region to ensure UDA's membership index grows in the region," added the statement.

It is worth noting that Obado was among Ruto's allies yet to be handsomely rewarded for drumming up support for Kenya Kwanza during the campaign period leading up to the 2022 General Elections.

The former governor's appointment seeks to bring about inclusivity in the party and populate itself in a region dominated for years by ODM. Already, the party has opened major offices in the four Nyanza counties, with the latest being Homa Bay County offices that President William Ruto unveiled on October 7.

Obado joined UDA in May 2023, revealing how he suffered during the 2022 campaigns, claiming he was persecuted and tormented for supporting President Ruto in the last polls.

''If you have to count those who suffered for their different political persuasions, then I am sure I am one of them,'' the ex-governor said while he was received into UDA by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

"I am not new in this alliance, in 2022 I was part and parcel of the team that was coordinating your [UDA]affairs in the Nyanza region, I was doing it in the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Today I join the United Democratic Alliance. If you are a united people then things will prevail, there will be tranquillity."