 |
| President Ruto Votes in UDA Grassroots Elections in Uasin Gishu.photo/coutersy. |
President William Ruto on Saturday, January 10, cast his vote in the ongoing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections at Koilel Primary School in Uasin Gishu County.
The President said the party elections were being conducted in 20 counties, with members voting to elect officials at the polling-centre level. In a statement shared on X, Ruto confirmed his participation in the exercise, saying it was aimed at strengthening the party’s leadership structures.
“Voted in the United Democratic Alliance party grassroots elections at Koilel Primary School, Uasin Gishu County, to elect party officials,” the President wrote.
He praised the high number of candidates who presented themselves for leadership positions, noting that their participation had exceeded expectations. According to Ruto, the strong interest in grassroots leadership reflects growing confidence in the party and supports the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“I commend all the candidates for stepping forward in numbers far beyond expectation to offer leadership at the grassroots. Their commitment strengthens our party and advances the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which is anchored on inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
The President also lauded UDA members who turned out to vote, saying the exercise demonstrated the party’s commitment to democratic governance and responsive leadership.
“As a party, we remain firmly committed to democratic governance and responsive leadership that listens to the people and delivers on their priorities,” he added.
The UDA grassroots elections are being held in about 12,000 polling centres across the country. Official party data shows that 310,651 candidates registered to contest various positions, exceeding the 237,940 available party offices. An estimated three million party members are expected to participate, averaging roughly 250 voters per polling centre.
The Mt Kenya region has emerged as a major hotspot in the exercise, recording some of the highest numbers of candidates. Meru County leads with 35,343 candidates against an initial projection of 21,000. Kiambu recorded 21,000 candidates, Murang’a 20,880, Nyandarua 18,665, Nyeri 16,448, Kirinyaga 14,000, and Embu 15,881.
In the Rift Valley, Nakuru County registered 30,010 candidates, while Bomet recorded 25,350. Other counties include Nandi with 15,220 candidates, Uasin Gishu 13,570, Kericho 5,967, Baringo 11,842, Samburu 4,386, Laikipia 2,958, and Elgeyo/Marakwet 7,236.
Western Kenya also reported strong participation, with Kakamega registering 32,677 candidates, Vihiga 7,327, and Trans Nzoia 7,825.
Overall, UDA party data indicates that 223,425 candidates are facing contests, while 80,038 candidates are unopposed, as the party moves to consolidate its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.
