The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has issued certificates to candidates who won in the party primaries for the forthcoming by-elections, a process party officials described as free, fair and driven by improved technology.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday during the ceremony, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar underscored the credibility of the process, noting that the party had not received any formal complaints.
“So far, we have not received any complaint with regard to this election. That means the exercise that you did was beyond reproach,” he said.
He described the nominations as a milestone for the party, attributing the success to the adoption of technology in managing the electoral process.
Omar congratulated the winners and expressed confidence in their winning chances in the upcoming by-elections.
“As you look at them today, we believe that by May 14th they will be elected as Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly,” he said.
Party officials present highlighted the growing strength of the UDA, citing previous electoral successes. They noted that the party had consistently performed well in by-elections, winning all available seats in previous contests.
“We are not in the business of losing elections. We are grateful to all those who participated and accepted the outcome,” Omar said, adding that those who lost should support the winners.
He further called for political maturity among aspirants and supporters, urging them to avoid airing grievances on social media.
“In Kenya, we must create a culture where we concede elections with integrity and honour. Your anger should be expressed through the ballot, not social media,” Omar said.
The leader emphasized that the party takes its internal elections seriously, noting that credible nominations are key to building public trust.
“We are the first political party in this country to vote electronically in nominations. This ensures that our candidates truly reflect the will of the people,” he said.
He explained that the system had been improved over time to enhance accuracy and eliminate errors, including the use of ID scanning technology to verify voters.
“The system is continuously being improved. Now it scans identification details directly, reducing the possibility of mistakes,” he added.
Omar said the advancements had strengthened confidence in the party’s processes and positioned UDA as a benchmark for other political parties.
“We can even have other countries come to benchmark on how to conduct nominations,” he said.
He urged successful candidates to remain loyal to the party’s manifesto once elected, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in governance.
“When you belong to a political party and are elected, you are duty-bound to support its policies. If your ideas conflict with the manifesto, go with the manifesto,” he said.
Candidates were urged to unite their supporters and former rivals to strengthen the party ahead of the by-elections.
“In a political contest, you will always have opponents. But once you win, bring them on board. We are now one team,” Omar said.
Party officials expressed confidence that the candidates would replicate the party’s past electoral successes, citing strong grassroots support and improved nomination systems.
According to Kenya Gazette No. 44 of 13th March, 2026, vacancies arose in the following offices: Member of County Assembly for Porro Ward, Samburu West Constituency, Samburu County, on 5th January; Endo Ward, Marakwet East Constituency, Elgeyo/Marakwet County, on 27th January; and Member of National Assembly for Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County, on 10th March.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, acting on notices issued by the respective Speakers, notified that the by-elections in the three areas are scheduled for Thursday, 14th May 2026.
By Celestine Lomolijah
