The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will hold its remaining grassroots elections early next year, closing the final chapter of a months-long internal exercise meant to streamline the party’s leadership structure.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 4, the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) chair Anthony Mwaura said the polls have been scheduled for January 10, following a joint meeting between the NEB and the National Executive Committee (NEC) chaired by Deputy Party Leader Kithure Kindiki.
“It was resolved that the party conduct grassroots elections in the remaining 20 counties where the polls have not been held,” Mwaura said.
The exercise will cover a wide stretch of the Rift Valley and central Kenya counties, including Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, and Trans Nzoia. Others are Uasin Gishu, Samburu, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, and Murang’a, as well as Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Kakamega, and Vihiga.
Aspirants interested in local party positions now have a short window to declare their interest. Registration will run from December 4 to December 23 through the party’s online portal. Mwaura said NEB will issue its formal election notice on December 4, after which contestants will have a brief campaign period before voting day.
The announcement comes barely a week after UDA secured 12 out of 22 seats in last week’s by-elections, a performance the party has been quick to celebrate.
Speaking after the results were confirmed, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the outcome reflects the party’s growing footprint across the country.
“Victory in the by-elections is a clear indication that President William Ruto remains popular among Kenyans,” Omar said.
With the grassroots polls now set, the ruling party enters yet another round of political activity as it works to firm up its internal structures ahead of the next electoral cycle.