Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has come out to mock the United Opposition’s poor performance in the recently concluded mini polls.

While speaking before President William Ruto during the launch of the Mau Summit Rironi Road in Nakuru on Friday, November 28, 2025, Kihika noted that, out of the seven by-election seats, including parliamentary and senatorial positions, allied parties of the broad-based government won all of them, leaving the opposition empty-handed.

She told Nakuru residents that this was a clear indication that the opposition lacked a concrete agenda, which contributed to their loss. She urged residents not to entertain opposition politicians when they visit the county and encouraged them to continue supporting the broad-based government and President Ruto’s second-term bid.

 “Jana million kulikuwa na byelections, million kulikuwa na viti saba za serikali, MPs na senators. Mnajua UDA na broad-based walichukua zote saba, ilikuwa clean sweep. Tusikubali kuentertain wale watu ambao hawana sera. Tukiame kwa Mheshimiwa Ruto kwa sababu tunaona maendeleo.” Kihika said

The remarks come after the United Opposition lost in all parliamentary seats, including areas previously considered strongholds such as Mbeere North and Malava, despite performing well in ward-level by-elections.

United opposition’s performance

In Mbeere North, UDA candidate Leonard Mathende defeated Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Kariuki by a narrow margin of 494 votes, with Mathende securing 15,802 votes to Kariuki’s 15,308. In Malava, UDA’s David Ndakwa scooped 21,564 votes, defeating Seth Panyako of the Eugene Wamala-led Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K), who garnered 20,210 votes.

The DCP party won three ward seats, including Narok Town, Kisia East, and Kariobangi North, while former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi won all Kisii by-elections, surpassing candidates backed by the broad-based government; the same was with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in Ukambani.

The United Opposition has blamed its losses on what it described as heavy government machinery and voter bribery, which reportedly secured narrow wins for the ruling coalition.

Ruto’s reaction

President William Ruto celebrated the performance of his broad-based team, describing it as a precursor of what to expect in 2027. He said Kenyans reject non-issue-based and tribalistic politics and insisted that such politics would not succeed in the next general elections.