•  In a system where political survival is frequently tied to being on the winning side, a 100% success rate in by-elections acts as a powerful magnet for shifting loyalties. Yet, for the ruling party, the challenge will be translating these localized wins into a sustained national mandate amidst evolving economic realities.

The by‑elections of February 26, 2026, delivered a rare moment of clarity in Kenya’s political landscape. In Isiolo South, West Kabras, Muminji, and Evurore, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) swept every seat, painting the map yellow and sending a signal about the road to 2027.

In Isiolo South, Tubi Mohammed Tubi (United Democratic Alliance) defeated his sister, Bina Mohamed (Jubilee Party), with 7,352 votes against 634.

In West Kabras Ward, Elphas Kainanga Shalakha (United Democratic Alliance) edged out Bramwel Wasike Khaemba (Democracy for the Citizens Party), 3,317 to 2,640.

In Evurore Ward, Duncan Muratia Nyaga (United Democratic Alliance) secured a decisive 7,853 votes, leaving Albert Muchira (Democratic Party) far behind at 1,940.

And in Muminji Ward, Peterson Njeru (United Democratic Alliance) triumphed with 3,207 votes over Boniface Kariuki (Devolution Empowerment Party), who garnered 2,232.

Read More

  1. Omwoyo's Iftar Appeal Demands Journalism’s Moral Compass
  2. What Kenya’s Blue Economy Strategy Means for 2030
  3. Governor Wanga Declares Deputy’s Seat Vacant After Magwanga’s Resignation

Four contests, four victories. The ruling party’s clean sweep across variousl zones underscored its ability to maintain a national footprint mid‑term.

UDA’s performance reflects more than electoral luck. It signals the strength of its grassroots organizational machinery.

By leaning into localized, bottom‑up engagement, the party continues to resonate with voters who prioritize direct representation. These wins suggest that the ruling party’s narrative of service and proximity still holds sway, even as economic realities test its promises.

Equally telling is the silence of the opposition. No unified challenge emerged in these races. Not a single seat flipped. For many observers, this sweep exposes fragmentation and raises doubts about whether rival parties can mount a cohesive national alternative before 2027.

By‑elections often hinge on local dynamics, but the inability to dent UDA’s dominance hints at deeper structural weaknesses.

In Kenya’s political culture, momentum matters. A 100% success rate in by‑elections acts as a magnet, pulling wavering loyalties toward the ruling side.

Politicians know survival often means aligning with the winner. Yet UDA’s challenge will be to translate these localized victories into a sustained national mandate, especially as economic pressures and governance tests intensify.

The real story lies not in the tally sheets but in the signal these elections send: the 2027 cycle has already begun. The ruling party celebrates tactical victories. The opposition audits its losses. But the electorate watches closely, weighing promises against lived realities.

The question is: will the opposition use this moment as a catalyst for reform, or will Kenya’s political landscape consolidate further under the yellow wave?

Stay connected with us on WhatsApp and Facebook for instant updates and breaking news as it happens.