NAIROBI—As the 2027 General Elections draw closer, the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party is demonstrating its intent to consolidate power with an elaborate series of grassroots elections scheduled for Saturday, 10th January, across 20 strategically selected counties.
The President William Ruto-led party is opening the floor to its registered members, empowering them to elect leaders tasked with injecting fresh ideas, perspectives, and strategies to fortify the party’s foundation.
Of great significance, these newly elected officials will be expected to assist in galvanising nationwide support to secure President Ruto’s re-election against potential challengers.
The party’s top brass convened on Friday, January 2, at the UDA headquarters, where a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting co-chaired by Second Deputy Party Leader and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy and Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan delved into a range of election-related matters. The meeting served as a strategic briefing ahead of the internal polls.
Anthony Mwaura, Chairman of UDA’s National Elections Board (NEB), provided a comprehensive briefing on the party’s readiness to conduct what he termed “free, fair, and credible” internal elections.
Complementing this, the Directorate of Elections, represented by Deputy Executive Director Higgins Mbugua, presented a detailed report on the status of candidate registration for the upcoming party contests.
In a formal notice issued on December 23, the party listed the counties where the grassroots elections will be held. In the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region, these include Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Tharaka Nithi.
These elections are poised to serve as a critical loyalty test for local leaders in the region, following the launch of a charm offensive by immediate former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s new Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
Other counties set for the January 10 exercise are Vihiga and Kakamega in Western Kenya, and Bomet, Kericho, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru, Nandi, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu in the Rift Valley.
Buoyed by its preparations, the UDA leadership confidently resolved to sweep all seats in the forthcoming February 26, 2026, by-elections. These include the Member of National Assembly seat for Isiolo South Constituency and three County Assembly Ward seats: West Kabras in Malava Constituency, and Muminji and Evurore Wards in Mbeere North.
The high-stakes NEC meeting was also attended by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, National Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya, and Executive Director Nicodemus Bore.
romondi99@theeyeswatchmedia.co.ke
