UDA crushes opposition in nationwide by-election sweep

Kenya ruling party, United Democratic Alliance tightened its political grip after winning all seats contested in 26 February 2026 by-elections, delivering a decisive setback to opposition parties in four counties.

The by-elections, organized by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, were held to fill vacant positions in Isiolo, Kakamega and Embu counties. Results announced at constituency tallying centers showed candidates from the United Democratic Alliance securing comfortable margins in each race.

Isiolo South parliamentary contest

In Isiolo County, Tubi Mohammed Tubi won the Isiolo South parliamentary seat with 7,352 votes. His closest challenger, Bina Tubi, garnered 634 votes, according to official results released after counting concluded.

The parliamentary victory strengthens UDA presence in northern Kenya, a region viewed as strategically important ahead of future national political contests.

County assembly wins in Kakamega and Embu

In Kakamega County, Elphas Shalakha was elected member of county assembly for West Kabras Ward in Malava Constituency after securing 3,317 votes. Bramwel Wasike of the Democracy for Citizens Party finished second with 2,361 votes.

UDA also swept two ward-level seats in Embu County’s Mbeere North Constituency. Duncan Muratia Nyaga won the Evurore Ward seat with 7,853 votes, while Peterson Njeru captured Muminji Ward with 3,207 votes.

The victories consolidate UDA influence at both parliamentary and county assembly levels, reinforcing the party’s grassroots machinery.

Transparent tallying process

The electoral commission said voting closed at 5.00pm (EAT), with ballot counting beginning immediately at polling stations in the presence of party agents, observers and media representatives.

Presiding officers opened ballot boxes publicly before counting and tabulating results at each station. Agents were permitted to photograph official result forms, and signed copies were posted outside polling stations to enhance transparency.

Returning officers later verified and aggregated results at constituency tallying centers, where access was restricted to accredited officials and observers.

The commission cautioned political leaders to respect procedures and warned against actions that could disrupt the tallying process. It added that results declared at polling stations were final.

Political analysts say the sweep signals UDA organizational strength and poses fresh challenges for a fragmented opposition seeking to regain momentum.