Speaker Moses Wetang’ula hugs Engineer Vincent Sidai at a past function…..Photo/IP
Busia/Kenya
Busia gubernatorial aspirant Engineer Vincent Sidai Allie’s have fueled speculation about a possible shift to Ford Kenya.
The lion party is an ally party within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Sidai has intensified claims of a political scheme inside the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to edge out fellow aspirant Arthur Osiya ahead of the 2027 elections.
Engineer Sidai, who has branded himself as “the only medicine” to fix Busia County’s leadership challenges, stopped short of confirming his next political vehicle but signaled openness to alternatives.
His supporters have been urging him to ditch UDA and consider running on Ford Kenya or the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
Political observers say a move to Ford Kenya could be strategic, given Sidai’s close ties with Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Moses Wetangula and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka—both key figures in the party and the broader Kenya Kwanza alliance.
At the same time, Sidai has alleged that Osiya—who serves in the Executive Office of the President—is being politically isolated within UDA structures despite his national government role.
According to Sidai, the developments point to a broader strategy to narrow the field ahead of the gubernatorial contest.
He further linked the situation to what he described as a “broad-based government” arrangement involving President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga, leader of ODM.
Under this alleged understanding, major parties would avoid fielding rival candidates in certain regions—effectively giving an upper hand to incumbent Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma.
On the ground, residents in Teso have begun voicing their expectations as the political realignments take shape.
An ODM politician from Teso North said, “We want a leader who will bring real development, not boardroom agreements. If Sidai chooses Ford Kenya and stands firm, we will support him.”
In Teso South, another UDA MCA echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Otuoma may have backing, but people here want change.
Sidai looks like he can challenge the system if he gets the right party.”
Dr. Otuoma is widely seen as the “broad-based candidate,” enjoying quiet backing across political divides, a situation Engineer Sidai argues limits democratic competition.
While Engineer Sidai has not made a definitive declaration, his growing alignment with Ford Kenya-linked figures, combined with grassroots support emerging in areas like Teso North and South, is increasingly pointing to a potential party switch that could reshape the Busia gubernatorial race.
With alliances shifting and internal party dynamics intensifying, the battle for Busia’s top seat is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests ahead of 2027.
