By REUBEN OLITA
April 10, 2026| Busia gubernatorial aspirant Eng. Vincent Sidai has sensationally claimed that a political scheme within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is being orchestrated to lock out fellow aspirant Arthur Osiya from the 2027 race.
Sidai’s allegations add fuel to growing speculation that incumbent Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma is the hidden favourite under the so-called “broad-based government” arrangement between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). According to Sidai, an informal understanding was reached that UDA would not field candidates in positions held by ODM—effectively backing a single candidate in key races.
Sidai Dismisses Calls to Step Down
His remarks came after Bukhayo North/Walatsi MCA Gardy Jakaa, an ally of Osiya, urged the two Teso-region aspirants to agree on one candidate to face Otuoma. Sidai dismissed the proposal with a sharp rebuke.
“In 2013, I contested for governor and lost. Even if I believed it was stolen, I conceded. Leadership requires maturity,” he said.
He argued that recent political events—including President Ruto’s visits to Busia and ODM’s National Delegates Conference—point to Otuoma as the already anointed candidate. “Wherever the President goes, it is Otuoma beside him. These people have already decided. Let me face him directly at the ballot,” Sidai declared.
He urged Osiya to step aside. “I have no grudge with my brother Osiya, but I ask him not to compete. The signs are clear—Otuoma is their choice.”
Sidai, a Lay Canon, was even more blunt about his own resolve: “The only medicine for Otuoma is Sidai, and nobody else. To achieve this, I must be on the ballot, or we perish as a county due to poor leadership. So nobody should come here and suggest we agree on a compromise candidate.”
He then dismantled the argument that Busia votes along tribal lines. “In 2022, three people stood for the gubernatorial seat—one Teso and two Luhyas. If Busia was a tribal county, why didn’t Daniel Mogoria emerge victorious? You voted for Otuoma to confirm that we are not tribalists. We elect a person irrespective of tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Otuoma is the problem because of his poor leadership,” Sidai stated.
‘Sidai Mashinani’ Campaign Strategy
Sidai announced a grassroots campaign strategy dubbed “Sidai Mashinani,” focused on door-to-door engagement across all eight sub-counties and 35 wards. “By December, I will have visited every ward. My politics will be people-centered—direct interaction with households,” he said.
He also called for peaceful campaigns and unity. “Let us not divide ourselves. All votes are for Sidai. We must remain one people.”
Leaders Clash at Burial Ceremony
The heated political exchanges occurred during the burial of Mama Imelda Nafula Orodi (85) in Amagoro, Teso North. MCA Jakaa maintained that neither Sidai nor Osiya has sufficient experience for the governor’s seat and insisted on a unified candidate.
Meanwhile, Malaba Central MCA and Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu defended his leadership amid chants of “Wantam” from sections of mourners. “I cannot be threatened. Wait for 2027 if you want to remove me from office,” he said, alleging that rivals were trying to intimidate him using hired youths.
Church Rebukes Political Intolerance
Presiding over the service, Bishop Pius Idewa of Maranatha Church Amagoro criticized the rising political hostility, especially among the youth. “It is embarrassing to parents when children insult leaders in church and at public functions. Respect for leadership and human dignity must prevail,” he said. The bishop also dismissed alleged political realignments and urged leaders to uphold moral values and unity.
Other clergy and leaders in attendance included Anglican Church of Kenya Katakwa Diocese Bishop John Okude, Amagoro Archdeacon Isabella Inyele Imoh, former area MCA Ishmael Orodi, leading cotton farmer Barnabas Nyapara, former Malaba Town Council Chairman John Okiring, former Angurai East MCA Joab Oteba, Pastors Fellowship Chairman Teso Dennis Etyang, and Amagoro Location Chief Joel Omachar.
Other Political Signals
Teso North MP aspirant Gregory Odeke Epus dismissed the early campaign activities as premature. “Let amateurs engage in drama. Serious leaders understand timing,” he said.
Background
Mama Orodi, who had battled hypertension and stomach ulcers for over a decade, was laid to rest at her home in Kong’or village, Amagoro. Her church caretaker, Eva Ochatas, went down memory lane, recalling how Mama Imelda began her spiritual journey with the church in 2001. She also credited the late for helping co-finance the Migori National Conference, adding that her death leaves a big void in the church.