Two close aides to President William Ruto, Farouk Kibet and Dennis Itumbi, have led grassroots campaigns to secure victories for the UDA party in by-elections held in November 2025 and February 2026. This contrasts with prevailing public opinion in Mt. Kenya and Western regions, where the ruling party faces significant pressure. Their strategies involved local mobilization and negotiations with community leaders.
According to internal UDA circles, the string of victories in these by-elections is linked to the efforts of Mr. Kibet and Mr. Itumbi. They set up camp in villages two months before the November poll and nearly a month ahead of the February ones. This was not remote-controlled politics but involved building campaign structures with local leaders, negotiating with rival candidates, attending funerals and church services, visiting markets, and door-to-door outreach.
Mr. Kibet focused on the Western region, starting with the Malava by-election last year and then moving to Kabras Ward in February. Speaking fluent Luhya, he addressed rallies in the local language to foster approachability.
Meanwhile, Mr. Itumbi handled Embu County and parts of Mt. Kenya East. In the Mbeere North contest in November 2025, he helped resolve fierce nomination rivalry among seven aspirants. A high-level meeting was held in Naivasha, attended by Governor Cecily Mbarire, Minister Geoffrey Ruku, and others. Mr. Itumbi presented poll data showing Leo Wamuthende with the strongest chance, leading main contenders like Speaker Justus Thiriku and others to step aside, allowing UDA to clinch the seat.
Similarly, for the two councillor by-elections in February in Evurore and Muminji, Mr. Itumbi mobilized the area from January through election day, traveling markets and holding impromptu meetings.
