Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi has doubled down on previous controversial comments, asserting that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will “add up” votes wherever they fall short in the forthcoming 2027 general election.
Speaking from his backyard in Eldoret on Friday evening, Sudi sought to clarify and defend remarks he made earlier—remarks that critics swiftly labelled as confessions of vote manipulation.
“Hii kazi tunafanya ni ya kuomba kura. Ndio tunaendelea kuomba kura… Kura lazima ijae, isipojaa tunajaza na watu,” he declared in Kiswahili, asserting that campaigning and soliciting votes is legitimate political practice.
According to the veteran politician, the UDA campaign machinery will operate across all of Kenya, from the Rift Valley to Ukambani, intensifying efforts in constituencies that risk falling short of supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid.
From Off-the-Cuff Remark to Strategic Manifesto
Sudi’s early comment—suggesting that missed votes would be “topped up” until the numbers matched goals—was dismissed by some as brazen political overreach. But on Friday, he defended the statement as candid campaign rhetoric rather than a blueprint for manipulation.
“We are in the business of campaigning, and we will add it up with votes, which we are soliciting from the people,” he said, adding that UDA’s message is clear: they are on a nationwide mission, not resting until they secure sufficient voter support.
He challenged detractors to distinguish between legitimate canvassing and accusations of “rigging the system.”
Challenge to Opposition: Put Up or Shut Up
Sudi didn’t mince words for the political opposition either. He called out rival parties for prematurely engaging in 2027 campaigning while failing to deliver tangible development on the ground.
“Let them engage in something meaningful for the people, perhaps even build a classroom or a toilet,” he mocked, implying that opposition leaders talk a big game but fall short in action.
This public barb, delivered amid a thickening political tribalism narrative, once again shifted the focus toward tangible deliverables rather than mere slogans.
UDA’s 2027 Strategy: Momentum or Manipulation?
Sudi’s defense frames the “adding up” remarks within a legitimate electoral strategy: targeted campaigning, voter persuasion, and expanding reach into opposition strongholds.
But critics warn it risks delegitimizing democratic norms. Analysts suggest:
- Seeding doubt: Opponents may exploit Sudi’s remarks to challenge election legitimacy.
- Fueling tension: In a climate already charged with accusations of tribalism and vote suppression, such comments may deepen mistrust.
- Legal stakes: Should allegations of undue influence surface, independent bodies like the IEBC and judiciary may come under intense public scrutiny.
Context: Ruto’s Warning and Mt. Kenya Dynamics
Sudi’s comments come just days after President Ruto warned of not handing power to leaders “with no plan” and accused the opposition of advancing tribal agendas. These statements underscore a broader pattern: the administration is positioning itself as both visionary and combative, ready to fight on multiple fronts.
They also highlight internal tensions within Mt. Kenya, a critical powerbase for Ruto. With key figures like Oscar Sudi amplifying campaign messages—and others, like Deputy President Kindiki, fending off accusations—the region’s unity appears strained as the 2027 timer counts down.
Final Word
Oscar Sudi’s explicit readiness to “add up” votes for Ruto marks a defining moment in Kenyan electoral politics—blurring the line between messaging and manipulation. As 2027 approaches, this raw and unfiltered rallying cry will test not only the effectiveness of UDA’s deployment strategy but also the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
The nation watches closely—questions loom over whether this marks persuasive professionalism or a dangerous precedent in the political playbook.
