NAIROBI, Kenya-Jan 10, 2026-Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party held a landmark round of grassroots elections on January 10, 2026, in what party officials described as one of the largest internal political exercises in the country’s history.
Across 20 counties and approximately 12,000 polling centers nationwide, hundreds of thousands of party members turned out to vote for branch leaders, positions that are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to UDA data, more than 310,000 candidates had registered to contest the posts, far exceeding the nearly 238,000 positions available. The intense competition reflects the party’s growing influence and organisational depth, with an estimated 3 million members expected to participate.
The Mt Kenya region, traditionally a political stronghold, emerged as a focal point, with counties such as Meru, Kiambu, and Murang’a recording particularly high numbers of aspirants.
President William Ruto personally participated in the polls, queuing to vote at a station in Uasin Gishu and urging party members to conduct themselves peacefully, uphold unity, and ensure fairness throughout the process.
His presence was seen as both a demonstration of personal engagement and a signal of the importance the party attaches to internal democracy.
Despite the enthusiasm celebrated by UDA officials, some critics dismissed the exercise as largely symbolic, arguing that it may not translate into broader political gains, particularly in regions like Mt. Kenya where opposition voices remain vocal.
Nonetheless, party leaders maintain that the elections are designed to strengthen internal discipline, expand organizational reach, and prepare the party for upcoming national contests. Mechanisms were also opened to handle disputes, a move aimed at ensuring orderly conduct and transparency amid the large-scale participation.
Political analysts suggest that the conduct and outcome of the grassroots elections could serve as a litmus test for UDA’s organisational maturity. With millions of members involved, cohesion and satisfaction at the local level may have far-reaching implications for the party’s performance in the 2027 polls.
As results continue to emerge and disputes are resolved, attention will shift to how the newly elected local leaders mobilize supporters and integrate into county and national strategies. For UDA, success in these internal polls offers an opportunity to consolidate support, enhance visibility, and project strength ahead of Kenya’s next electoral cycle
