The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has kicked off preparations for its grassroots party elections scheduled for January 10, 2026.
Party leaders are intensifying sensitisation efforts aimed at strengthening internal democracy and consolidating grassroots leadership ahead of future national contests.
Speaking during a UDA grassroots election sensitisation forum held at Kathwana Stadium in Chuka Town, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said the party is committed to conducting elections from the lowest level to the national level in full compliance with the Political Parties Act.
Ichung’wah explained that the elections will follow a bottom-up approach, beginning at the polling station level, with elected officials progressing through a delegates’ system to choose leaders at the ward, sub-county, county and national levels.
“Going by the political parties’ law, every political party must have elected officials.
These leaders will play a critical role in mobilisation and will form the core support base during campaign periods,” Ichung’wah said.
He noted that the exercise is intended to nurture leadership for the future while strengthening party structures across the country.
According to the Majority Leader, strong grassroots leadership is essential for sustaining democracy and ensuring the party remains vibrant and responsive to the needs of its members.
“We want to build leadership capacity and nurture future leaders who will move our country forward. Effective leadership is key if we are to transform Kenya’s economy,” he added.
Ichung’wah further lauded the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development agenda, saying the government had laid a firm foundation for economic growth through policy reforms and infrastructure development.
He pledged UDA’s full support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in accelerating development projects across the country.
He also emphasised the importance of inclusivity in party leadership, calling for the active participation of youth, women and people from diverse backgrounds in the party’s decision-making organs.
Igambang’ombe Member of Parliament Patrick Munene described Deputy President Kindiki as a national leader with a deep understanding of government operations.
He cited ongoing development initiatives in the region, including the construction of modern markets, as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving livelihoods.
Munene urged elected leaders to remain loyal to the government and called on those who will be elected during the party polls to serve all constituents without discrimination.
“Leadership is about serving the people. Those elected must work for everyone and not sideline others,” he said.
Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, a long-serving legislator in Tharaka Nithi County, said UDA remains the dominant political party in the county and urged residents to rally behind the government to ensure sustained development.
“UDA is the party of Tharaka Nithi. We must work together and support the government so that development reaches every part of our county,” Mbiuki said.
The sensitisation forum brought together party officials, elected leaders and residents as UDA steps up mobilisation efforts ahead of the internal elections, which are expected to shape the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
By Dickson Mwiti and Christine Ngitori
