The Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG) Party, led by Ugenya MP David Ochieng, has received a political boost after two elected leaders associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) defected to the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The defectors are Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and David Ragen, the ODM Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Alego Central Ward in Siaya County.
Their move was announced during a political function at the MDG headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where more than 500 aspirants from 17 counties also declared their intention to contest various elective positions on the party’s ticket.
The defections mark a fresh political realignment as parties intensify efforts to expand their influence ahead of the 2027 polls, particularly in Western and Nyanza regions, where ODM has traditionally enjoyed strong support.
Speaking during the event, Ochieng declared that MDG would field candidates across the country, except for the presidency, dismissing efforts to discourage the party from participating in the elections.
He accused some political parties of seeking President William Ruto’s intervention to establish zoning arrangements that would restrict rival parties from fielding candidates in certain regions.
Ochieng maintained that MDG would not surrender its political space, insisting that the party was prepared to compete for elective seats nationwide.
“Let it be very clear to everybody that MDG will field candidates across the country irrespective of underhand machinations to dissuade us from doing so. We are not going to cede any ground,” he said.
Ochieng defends Ruto’s development agenda
The Ugenya MP also criticised opposition leaders for what he described as persistent criticism of President Ruto’s development agenda without presenting practical alternatives.
He cited opposition to the proposed Dangote-led oil refinery at the Coast and the Mau Summit-Rironi road project, arguing that Kenyans needed alternative proposals capable of addressing their economic challenges.
Ochieng further pledged that MDG would subject all its candidates to strict integrity checks before clearing them to contest elective positions.
He said the party was determined to address concerns over corruption, bribery and declining public trust in elected leaders at both national and county levels.
Kaunya cites dissatisfaction with ODM
On his part, Kaunya attributed his decision to leave ODM to dissatisfaction with the party’s internal leadership and electoral processes.
He claimed that some members had lost confidence in the party over what he described as flawed internal elections and a failure to uphold democratic principles.
The latest defections provide MDG with an opportunity to strengthen its political presence in Western and Nyanza as the 2027 General Election approaches.
The recruitment of elected leaders and hundreds of prospective candidates signals the party’s intention to compete for a wider range of elective positions in the upcoming polls.
