The United Democratic Alliance has moved to frame its forthcoming grassroots elections as a defining test of its internal democracy, using a high-level meeting with leaders from Bomet County to signal order, unity and control as the party prepares for the next phase of national politics.
At a meeting hosted by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, party leaders from Bomet — led by Governor Hillary Barchok, Senator Hillary Sigei and former governor Isaac Ruto — discussed preparations for the grassroots elections scheduled for January 10, 2026. The consultations brought together Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly and aspirant representatives, underscoring the party’s push to lock in county-level structures early.
Hassan Omar told the leaders that the grassroots exercise would be central to UDA’s identity as a bottom-up political movement, saying the party’s staying power depended on credible internal processes. He outlined the roadmap, timelines and voting modalities, and sought to allay fears that the elections could be chaotic or manipulated.
“Our strength as UDA lies in the grassroots,” Hassan Omar said. “That is why these elections must be free, fair and transparent, and must reflect the will of our members on the ground.”
The Bomet engagement comes at a time when UDA is keen to avoid the factional disputes that have weakened dominant parties in the past. With the 2027 general election cycle slowly taking shape, party strategists view grassroots polls as both a loyalty test and a tool for disciplining internal competition before it spills into public view.
Leaders from Bomet pledged to mobilise supporters, sensitise voters and ensure peaceful participation across the county. They argued that a credible grassroots process would strengthen party unity and reinforce UDA’s claim to be a people-driven outfit rather than a top-down machine.
“A strong grassroots election will enhance inclusivity and cohesion within the party,” said one of the leaders present, noting that transparent processes would reduce post-election disputes and defections.
Former governor Isaac Ruto, a key political figure in the Rift Valley, was among those who attended the meeting, a presence that highlighted UDA’s continued efforts to consolidate support in a region that remains central to President William Ruto’s political base. The inclusion of sitting legislators and county assembly leaders also signalled an attempt to align national and county-level interests ahead of what is expected to be a competitive internal contest.
The meeting was attended by MPs Brighton Yegon of Konoin, Richard Yegon of Bomet East and Victor Mandazi of Chepalungu, as well as Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir. MCAs were led by county assembly majority leader Paul Kirui.
UDA officials say similar consultations will be held in other counties as the party rolls out its national grassroots election programme, with the January polls expected to shape local party leadership and influence candidate selection debates that will follow.
