UDA Suffers Major Blow in Bungoma as Nancy Kibaba Defects to Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement

President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has suffered a significant political setback in Bungoma County following the defection of Woman Representative aspirant Nancy Kibaba to Edwin Sifuna’s rapidly growing Linda Mwananchi Movement.

Kibaba, a prominent politician in Bungoma seeking to contest the county’s Woman Representative seat in the 2027 General Election, formally announced her exit from the ruling party during a regional aspirants’ forum.

Her transition to Sifuna’s political movement comes as aligning forces begin shaping realignments across the country ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

The departure marks a notable shift given Kibaba’s strong ties within the current administration. She holds a senior position in Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s office and was previously nominated for a Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) role before structural adjustments were mandated by the courts.

Her decision to walk away from UDA raises questions about the party’s hold on Western Kenya, a region key political figures have actively sought to consolidate.

Reacting to the move, Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa—who is eyeing the Bungoma gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket—acknowledged the unexpected development amid heightening local rivalries.

The defection underscores the momentum gained by Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement, which has continued to attract key leaders from diverse political backgrounds.

As political competition builds nationwide, Kibaba’s exit threatens UDA’s influence in Bungoma and signals potential further realignments in the Western region leading up to 2027.

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