UDA Orders Fresh Grassroots Polls in 42 Counties to Restore Confidence
By Peace Muthoka
The United Democratic Alliance has announced repeat grassroots elections in selected polling centres across 42 counties, in a move aimed at restoring confidence, fairness and unity within the party following disputed outcomes in earlier voting phases.
The fresh polls will see Phase III elections repeated on March 7, 2026, while Phase II polling centres will return to the ballot on March 28, 2026. The decision follows an internal review of reports submitted by the party’s electoral and dispute resolution organs.
In a press briefing, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said the party reached the decision after evaluating findings from the National Elections Board and the Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee.
According to the party, the grassroots elections were conducted in three phases across all 42 counties. Phase II took place in June 2025, while Phase III was held in January 2026. However, concerns raised by party members in select polling centres led to formal complaints and appeals.
As a result, the dispute resolution committee issued rulings on several petitions, prompting the National Executive Committee to recommend repeat elections in the affected areas. The party leadership adopted the recommendation, paving the way for fresh voting in those centres.
For many grassroots members, the announcement reopened a chapter filled with hope, disappointment and renewed determination. In several regions, aspiring leaders and voters said the repeat polls offer a second chance to be heard.
“We just want a fair and transparent process,” said a UDA youth mobiliser in western Kenya. “When the party listens to its members, it strengthens trust and unity.”
Alongside the announcement, UDA opened registration for aspirants seeking various polling centre positions. The registration process began on Wednesday through the party’s official website, with officials encouraging interested members to apply early and prepare for the repeat exercise.
Meanwhile, the party confirmed plans to convene a special National Governing Council meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, at State House, Nairobi.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party headquarters, UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire said the meeting will bring together the party’s elected and nominated leadership from across the country.
“The National Governing Council brings together all UDA-elected and nominated leaders, including governors, deputy governors, senators, members of the National Assembly, women representatives, members of the East African Legislative Assembly and members of county assemblies,” Mbarire said.
She added that friends of the party have also been invited to attend and observe the meeting.
According to the party, the council will receive a scorecard on the implementation of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which remains central to UDA’s policy and political direction.
In addition, the council will receive a comprehensive report from the National Elections Board on the grassroots elections and ratify a resolution mandating the party leadership to begin structured negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement.
Separately, the party also announced plans to establish a UDA Aspirants Forum as part of early preparations for the 2027 General Election. The forum is expected to provide a structured platform for members seeking elective positions and help manage growing political competition within the party.
As the repeat election dates draw closer, attention now turns to the affected polling centres, where party members are preparing for a fresh test of credibility and inclusion.
For many within UDA’s grassroots, the coming weeks will not just be about voting again, but about reaffirming their place and voice in a party that continues to shape Kenya’s political future.
