Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Saturday announced that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) had successfully conducted the repeat Phase III grassroots elections across 18 counties, describing the exercise as peaceful and transparent.
Speaking at Hustler Plaza in Nairobi, Kindiki said the elections were held in Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Baringo, Laikipia, Kericho, Bomet and Vihiga counties.
According to the Deputy President, more than 500,000 candidates registered to contest for 20 grassroots leadership positions in 8,819 polling centres across the counties.
The positions represented various interest groups including women, youth, special interest groups, farmers, religious groups, professionals and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and traders.
“The exercise conducted electronically went on smoothly and in a peaceful manner, and will produce 150,000 elected grassroots officials with a direct mandate from the people,” Kindiki said.
Kindiki said he was giving the update on behalf of the party leader and President William Ruto, adding that the party had put in place measures to ensure a smooth and transparent exercise.
The Deputy President said the grassroots elections are meant to strengthen the party’s internal structures and enhance participation of members at the local level.
The repeat elections follow earlier phases conducted in different parts of the country that were occasionally disrupted by logistical challenges, disputes among candidates and the need to verify membership registers. Party officials said the repeat exercise was organised to ensure fairness and credibility of the process.
UDA, the ruling party that propelled President Ruto to power in the 2022 General Election, has been restructuring its leadership from the grassroots as it seeks to consolidate support across the country and expand its political base.
Political parties in Kenya often rely on grassroots officials to mobilise members, coordinate local activities and act as a link between national leaders and supporters at the village and ward levels.
Party leaders say the ongoing elections will eventually culminate in the formation of stronger party organs from the grassroots to the national level as UDA prepares for future political contests.
