The United Democratic Movement served notice of its national ambitions on 29 September 2025, when Party Leader and Mandera Senator Capt. Ali Ibrahim Roba presented nomination certificates to four aspirants at the party’s Nairobi headquarters.

The flag-bearers will fly the UDM colours in the upcoming by-elections across four counties:

• Fredrick Odhiambo Ochiel — Member of Parliament, Ugunja (Siaya County)
• Stephen Amwayi — Kisa East Ward (Kakamega County)
• Ochanga Rashid Mariera — Chewani Ward (Tana River County)
• John Meyan — Lake Zone Ward (Turkana County)

It was a pointed statement of intent from a party long rooted in the north-eastern frontier. From Siaya in the west to Turkana in the north, UDM is now contesting in regions far from its traditional base.

“When UDM grows, Kenya Kwanza grows,” the Party Leader told supporters, underlining the movement’s place within President William Ruto’s governing coalition.

Party officials framed the by-elections as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 general election, and as proof that the movement’s message of social justice and development for marginalised regions resonates well beyond its heartland.

“Ustawi kwa wote” — prosperity for all — is no longer a promise for one region, UDM leaders said, but for the whole nation.