UDA to conduct repeat grassroots elections across 42 counties

UDA party headquarters/FILE

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced repeat grassroots elections in select polling centres across 42 counties following a review of reports from its internal electoral organs.

In a press briefing issued on Wednesday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said the decision was reached during a National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and chaired by the party leader, President William Ruto.

The NSC considered reports from the National Elections Board (NEB) and the Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) on the recently concluded grassroots elections, which were conducted in three phases.

Phase II took place in June 2025, while Phase III was held in January 2026. The elections covered 42 counties.

Following rulings by the ENDRC and a resolution by the National Executive Committee (NEC), the party resolved to conduct repeat elections in selected polling centres. The repeat polls for Phase III will be held on March 7, 2026, while those for Phase II are scheduled for March 28, 2026.

UDA also announced the opening of registration for aspirants seeking various positions at the polling centre level. Registration commenced on Wednesday via the party’s official website, with the party encouraging interested members to apply.

In light of the developments around the grassroots elections, the party will convene a Special (NGC) meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026, at State House, Nairobi. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am and will be chaired by President Ruto.

The NGC 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 (EALA), and members of county assemblies.

According to the briefing, the council will receive a scorecard on the implementation of the government manifesto, the “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)”.

It will also receive a report from the NEB on the party’s grassroots elections and ratify an NEC resolution mandating the party leader to commence structured negotiations with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Separately, the NSC resolved to establish a “UDA Aspirants Forum” as part of preparations for the 2027 General Elections. The forum is intended to accommodate the growing number of party members seeking to vie for elective positions.

A registration portal for aspirants was opened on Wednesday. The inaugural aspirants’ forum meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at State House, Nairobi, with the party indicating that further details will be communicated later.

UDA invited all members intending to contest in the 2027 polls to register through the party portal.