MOMBASA – A group of women leaders in Mombasa is calling on President William Ruto to refocus efforts on strengthening the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in the county. They warned that the party’s influence is shrinking due to weak grassroots engagement and lack of recognition for committed supporters.
Speaking at a press briefing in Mombasa, the group led by Presidential Coordinator Mildred Odinga urged the President not to sideline UDA loyalists in favor of broader coalition interests.
“We support the inclusive government, but our party must remain strong,” Odinga said. “Those who stood with the President during the campaigns cannot be abandoned now.”
The women voiced concern over how government empowerment programs are being handled in the county. They claimed that funds meant to benefit women are being diverted by leaders affiliated with the opposition.
“When the President sends money to support women, ODM-aligned leaders distribute it to their own networks,” Odinga stated. “Our members feel ignored, and that sends the wrong message.”
The group criticized the performance of some local UDA officials, accusing them of poor leadership and failing to assert the party’s agenda at the grassroots. They cited unemployment and underrepresentation as key challenges not being addressed.
“If politicians forget the people who delivered 44 percent of the vote in Mombasa, they risk losing their support,” Odinga warned. “Elections are won on the ground not from pulpits.”
The leaders also asked Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to allow the President space to implement his projects without political distraction. Odinga pointed to developments such as housing, market upgrades, and sports facilities as evidence of progress made by the administration.
“We’ve seen change under this government,” she said. “Let the President work in peace. He’s accomplished a lot in under two years.”
The women expressed dissatisfaction with the recent distribution of empowerment funds during events attended by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki in Jomvu and Likoni constituencies. While some groups reportedly benefited, many others were left out.
“The funds were too little, and most women groups didn’t benefit,” said Mariga Shee, who attended one of the events. “If this pattern continues, the base that supported the President will feel betrayed.”
The leaders urged the national government to ensure fair and transparent allocation of resources and to reinvigorate party structures across Mombasa to keep the support base engaged.
They concluded with a message to the President: stay connected to the ground or risk losing political traction in the region.
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