- UDA is holding major grassroots elections across 20 counties
- Over 310,000 candidates are contesting various party positions
- About three million party members are expected to vote
- President William Ruto voted in Uasin Gishu County
- Mt Kenya leaders have urged a high voter turnout
Millions of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) members are voting today as the ruling party holds one of the largest internal elections in Kenya’s political history, a process expected to shape its direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The exercise is taking place across 20 counties, with voting ongoing at about 12,000 polling centres countrywide.
According to party figures, 310,651 candidates are contesting various grassroots leadership positions. UDA estimates that nearly three million registered members are expected to participate in the polls.
The elections are seen as crucial, as the leaders chosen today will play a key role in building the party’s delegate system and shaping strategy going into the next national elections.
President William Ruto, who is also the leader of the UDA party, cast his vote earlier today at Koilel Primary School in Uasin Gishu County. His participation underscored the importance the party has placed on the exercise.
Political analysts view the polls as a test of the UDA’s grassroots organisation and internal cohesion.
In the influential Mt Kenya region, several leaders have called on party members to turn out in large numbers. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru is among those who urged supporters to participate actively, noting that the outcome will influence the party’s future leadership and decision-making structures.
UDA’s Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee has been deployed to handle complaints and disputes that may arise during the voting process. The party says this is aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility.
Observers say the results could significantly reshape internal power dynamics within UDA and act as an early indicator of influence and loyalty ahead of the 2027 polls.
