Buzeki joins UDA as party prepares for Malava by-election

Industrialist and politician Zedekiah Bundotich Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, has officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), marking a new chapter in his turbulent political career.

Buzeki, who built his fortune in transport and dairy businesses, was welcomed to the party by Secretary General Hassan Omar at UDA headquarters in Nairobi on Thursday.

He was accompanied by a delegation from Uasin Gishu County.

Mr Omar hailed Buzeki’s move as proof of the party’s widening appeal in the Rift Valley and beyond.

“UDA is about unity, inclusivity and a people-centred agenda. Leaders like Buzeki embody the entrepreneurial spirit that aligns with our transformative vision for Kenya,” sais Mr Omar.

The Secretary General, flanked by Deputy Chairperson Kelvin Lunani, Executive Director Nicodemus Bore and other officials, said President William Ruto’s administration is undertaking an economic reorientation designed to spread prosperity across the country.

He described the President’s model as a break from “accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few”.

He called on new entrants like Buzeki to champion policies that resonate with ordinary citizens.

For years, Buzeki has been viewed as one of Rift Valley’s most influential but unpredictable politicians.

He first made headlines in 2017 when he contested the Uasin Gishu governorship on an independent ticket after falling out with Jubilee Party’s nomination process.

In 2022, he ran again for the seat under Chama Cha Mashinani but lost to UDA’s Jonathan Bii, popularly known as Koti Moja.

At the time, Buzeki was a fierce critic of UDA and openly questioned President Ruto’s political style.

His defection is therefore being read by analysts as both a personal political calculation and a signal that UDA remains dominant in the Rift Valley, with former rivals now warming up to its ideologies.

Political watchers say Buzeki’s wealth and grassroots networks could tilt future contests in Uasin Gishu and neighbouring counties.

His entry into UDA consolidates the party’s influence ahead of 2027 while reducing the pool of independent challengers.

For Buzeki, the move also offers a platform to rebuild his political capital after two failed gubernatorial bids.

“Aligning with the ruling party places him at the centre of national decision-making,” said Eldoret-based political analyst Joseph Kiptoo.

Even as UDA welcomed Buzeki, the party is gearing up for the Malava Constituency by-election set for 27 November 2025.

The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Malulu Injendi in February.

Four aspirants — David Ndakwa, Leonard Shimaka, Simon Kangwana and Rhyan Injendi Malulu — are seeking the UDA ticket.

They held talks with President Ruto at State House, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, among others.

The meeting, insiders say, was aimed at uniting the contenders behind a peaceful nomination process and ensuring UDA presents a strong front in the Kakamega County mini-poll.

Malava is a key constituency in Western Kenya, where UDA and Azimio-affiliated parties are battling for supremacy.

A win would strengthen Dr Ruto’s foothold in the region, where Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are leading Kenya Kwanza’s charge.