UDA Grassroots Polls to Elect Local Leaders in 18 Counties
By Peace Muthoka
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will hold grassroots elections in 18 counties on Saturday, March 14, in a move aimed at strengthening the party’s internal leadership structures.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the exercise will allow party members to elect officials at the polling centre level, helping to build leadership from the grassroots.
“The election of grassroots officials of the UDA party proceeds on Saturday, March 14, 2026 across 18 counties,” Kindiki said.
Counties set to participate in the exercise include Samburu, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Nyandarua and Laikipia. Others are Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a and Kiambu.
Kindiki said party members in the counties will vote for leaders who will represent UDA at the polling centre level.
“Party members in the 18 counties will decide who the party leaders in each polling centre will be,” he said.
He said the elections reflect the party’s commitment to strengthening internal democracy by allowing members to directly choose leaders at the lowest level.
“UDA remains committed to deepening internal democracy to enhance the legitimacy of those who speak on behalf of the party at all levels, in line with our ideology of bottom-up economic empowerment of the people,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President spoke after chairing a meeting at the party headquarters, Hustler Plaza, where officials reviewed preparations for the polls.
Kindiki added that the grassroots elections form part of the ruling party’s broader strategy to organise its membership and strengthen its political base ahead of future electoral contests.
UDA has been conducting the elections in phases across different counties as it establishes leadership structures from the polling station level to the national level.
The party says the process is designed to empower members at the grassroots and ensure leaders remain directly accountable to party supporters.
Grassroots elections are mandatory for political parties in Kenya, and several other parties have also been conducting similar exercises as they prepare for the 2027 Kenyan general election.
