Over 300,000 candidates to contest in today's UDA grassroots elections

UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar speaks to the media at the party headquarters in Nairobi on November 28, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard] A total of 310,651 candidates registered to contest for various positions in today's UDA grassroots elections in 20 counties. National Election Board chairman Anthony Mwaura said 237, 940 grassroots positions across 12,000 polling centres in the 20 counties will be contested. Mwaura said the exercise is expected to draw an estimated 3 million party members, who will participate in the exercise making it the largest internal party election ever undertaken in the country. He attributed the high level of enthusiasm and participation to the party's strong organizational infrastructure. He said the democratically elected grassroots leadership will have a direct impact on candidate selection across all levels of political contests. In the Mt Kenya region, Meru County leads with 35,343 registered candidates contesting for 21,000 grassroots positions, followed by Kiambu with 21,000 candidates vying for 11,300 slots, Murang'a with 20,880 candidates contesting 11,900 positions, and Embu with 15,881 candidates competing for 3,800 slots. In other regions, Kakamega County registered 32,677 candidates, Nakuru recorded 27,863, while Bomet and Nandi registered 25,350 and 15,220 candidates respectively. Nationally, 223,425 candidates will face competitive contests, while 80,038 candidates are unopposed. These internal polls are critical in shaping the parties' leadership structures and enhancing grassroots mobilisation efforts. Big guns in both parties, including sitting MPs and their 2027 rivals, are expected to face off in the polls to secure slots at the National Delegates Conventions. Winners in branch positions are considered the grassroots pillars and could use their positions to lobby for party tickets in the 2027 polls. These grassroots elections are pivotal fo UDA as they aim to solidify organizational structures and grassroots support ahead of 2027. The elections are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the party and ensure robust representation at all levels. The outcomes of these elections will likely influence the internal dynamics of the party, determining the leaders who will shape their agendas and strategies moving forward. As such, the grassroots polls represent a significant test of organizational capacity and internal democracy for UDA. In a formal notice issued on December 23, the party listed the counties where the grassroots elections will take place. In the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region, these include Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Meru, Murang'a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Laikipia, and Tharaka Nithi. These elections are expected to serve as a critical loyalty test for local leaders, especially in light of the charm offensive launched by immediate former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's new Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). Other counties set for the January 10 exercise include Bomet , Kericho,Vihiga, Kakamega, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nakuru, Nandi, Samburu, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu in the Rift Valley.

Over 300,000 candidates to contest in today's UDA grassroots elections

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