The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accepted defeat in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, saying the outcome reflects Kenya's evolving political landscape rather than a rejection of the ruling party, as it declared an aggressive nationwide campaign strategy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Nairobi on Friday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the by-election demonstrated that no region can any longer be regarded as a guaranteed political stronghold, describing the result as evidence of a changing electoral landscape.
"This time we did not emerge victorious, but it shows you that there is a shifting architecture of national politics. Former strongholds have become battlegrounds and former battlegrounds have become strongholds," Hassan said.
Despite the loss, Hassan maintained that UDA remains a national party and will field candidates across the country in the next general election.
"We shall compete in every corner of this country in the next general election. We will continue presenting our programmes to the people because we believe in what we have achieved," he said.
The Secretary General thanked party supporters, campaign managers and senior officials who participated in the Ol Kalou campaign, singling out National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, digital strategist Dennis Itumbi, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, and other party leaders for what he described as their commitment throughout the campaign period.
Hassan also congratulated the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting what he termed a credible election and allowing the will of voters to prevail.
"You did a stellar job. You held us all to account. You let the popular will of the people of Kenya prevail," he said.
The UDA Secretary General used the occasion to defend constitutional institutions, warning politicians against attacking independent bodies whenever election results fail to favour them.
Without naming individuals directly, Hassan accused some political leaders of undermining institutions such as the IEBC and security agencies for political gain, arguing that such conduct weakens public confidence in Kenya's democratic processes.
He urged political leaders to respect election outcomes and promote national unity once electoral contests are concluded.
"Elections are political contestations. They happen, they end, and the nation must move on as one united and indivisible country," he said.
Hassan further commended security agencies led by the National Police Service for maintaining peace during the by-election, saying the absence of major incidents demonstrated professionalism and commitment to protecting Kenya's democratic process.
Looking beyond the by-election, Hassan said the ruling party's 2027 campaign will be anchored on its record in government rather than political rhetoric.
"We have been selling development while others have been selling emotions. We shall continue to market the performance of this government in every part of the country," he said.
Responding to questions about the extensive resources deployed during the Ol Kalou campaign, Hassan acknowledged that elections require substantial financial and organisational investment, saying the party spared no effort in reaching every voter.
He defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's record, arguing that President William Ruto's government has pursued an inclusive approach through appointments to senior public offices and equitable distribution of development projects across the country.
According to Hassan, the administration has appointed thousands of Kenyans to positions including Principal Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers and chairpersons of state corporations while continuing to invest in roads, water, energy and other infrastructure projects nationwide.
"We are not competing for power in order to oppress anyone or to push any community to the margins. This government serves all Kenyans equally with fairness, justice and equity," he said.
He added that while some regions still require additional investment, the government remains committed to ensuring no part of the country is left behind.
Hassan said UDA respects the verdict delivered by Ol Kalou voters and views the outcome as an opportunity to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"The people have spoken, and we respect their free will to choose their leaders. That is the essence of democracy," he said.
He concluded by urging political leaders to safeguard constitutional institutions, embrace responsible political discourse and place national unity above partisan interests, saying Kenya's democratic future depends on peaceful competition, credible institutions and issue-based politics.
"Our focus remains on service delivery. As we prepare for the next election cycle, we shall continue working for every Kenyan because leadership is about serving the entire nation," Hassan said.
