Teso North MP Oku Kaunya has left the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and joined the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG). He made the announcement while speaking to the media in Amagoro. He says several other elected leaders from Busia County have also shown interest in following him to the new party.
Kaunya blamed his move on infighting within ODM, particularly in Busia County. In his view, the party has no future there. He says he had to make a bold political decision to secure his re-election as Teso North MP. He also serves as MDG's deputy party leader. He says that role gives him a seat at the table where key decisions are made, and he will use it to push for his constituents' interests.
The MP promised that MDG will run open and fair nomination processes. He says the party will uphold democratic values. He also stressed that leaving ODM will not change his support for President William Ruto. According to Kaunya, MDG backs the broad-based government and the President's bid for a second term.
Kaunya also turned his fire on Busia Governor Paul Otuoma. He accused the governor of failing to deliver development projects to Teso North and other parts of the county. He urged voters to judge leaders by their records, how well they manage public money, and the projects they deliver in their areas.
He also asked investigative agencies to look into claims of misused public funds in the Busia County government. He argued that such misuse has weakened service delivery and denied residents the development they deserve.
The move adds to the shifting alliances in Western Kenya as the 2027 General Election approaches. Whether other Busia leaders follow Kaunya to MDG remains to be seen.
