President William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has received a big boost after a key ally of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Rift Valley region, Micah Kigen, defected to the ruling party.

Mr Kigen's defection was announced during a meeting at the party headquarters by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar and National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi.

The politician has for a long time been a close confidant of the former Prime Minister especially in Elgeyo-Marakwet county where he served as party chairman.

Mr Kigen had unsuccessfully vied for the Keiyo South Parliamentary seat on the Orange Democratic Movement party several times.

A bruising political battle is now expected in Keiyo South Parliamentary seat in 2027 with Mr Kigen expected to faceoff for the UDA ticket with the incumbent Gideon Kimaiyo, a first term MP who was elected on the party's ticket.

According to UDA Secretary General, Mr Kigen's move is the desire of President Ruto, which is to have leaders who listen to the people and do what they ask.

"Welcome to UDA my brother Micah Kigen. I want to state that it is President William Ruto's desire that we listen to Kenyans, pay attention to Kenyans' issues of concern and address those issues Kenyans are raising," said Mr Omar.

Mr Nyakundi on his part urged Mr Kigen and the leaders who had accompanied him to the occasion to always be good ambassadors of the party and President Ruto.

Mr Kigen was accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, Woman Representative Carolyn Ng'elechei and a host of sitting and former Members of County Assembly (MCAs).

Political realignments are taking shape in the country as leaders dash to endear themselves to the electorate ahead of 2027 General Election.

Focus will also be on Mt Kenya region which is widely viewed to be in a political limbo following the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

President Ruto has since appointed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to replace impeached Gachagua.

Prof Kindiki will however have to wait before taking the oath of office owing to the ongoing court cases lodged by Mr Gachagua following his impeachement by the National Assembly and the Senate.

Realignments are also expected to be witnessed in Mr Raila's strongholds due to his recent political daliance with the Kenya Kwanza government after his four(4) key allies were appointed to the Cabinet.

The four(4) are Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), John Mbadi (Treasury), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and Wycliffe Oparanya (MSMEs).