UDA sets 24-hour window for grassroots election disputes

UDA party aspirants at State House, Nairobi, on February 4 /FILE

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has set a 24-hour window for lodging disputes arising from its upcoming Phase III grassroots elections.

The elections are scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Nakuru and Kakamega counties.

In a notice issued on Friday evening, the party’s Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) announced that it will be on standby to receive, hear, and determine all electoral disputes related to the grassroots polls.

"All electoral disputes should be lodged before the ENDRC within twenty-four (24) hours, upon declaration of results or nomination decision giving rise to the respective dispute," the notice said.

The notice by Adrian Kamotho, chairman of the ENDRC, stated that submissions can be made electronically via email at [email protected].

The committee will handle grievances arising from the grassroots elections, which form a key part of UDA’s internal party structures.

In a separate notice, the ENDRC said it will handle disputes related to the upcoming Member of the National Assembly by-election in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County.

The committee also noted that it will receive and determine disputes arising from Member of County Assembly by-elections in Porro Ward, Samburu County, and Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

"The Elections and Nominations Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) hereby notifies all party members that it shall be available to receive, hear and determine all disputes relating to the nominations," the notice said.

Similar to the grassroots elections, disputes arising from these by-elections must also be lodged within 24 hours of the declaration of results or nomination decisions.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has previously said the grassroots elections are part of the party’s commitment to strengthening internal democracy and ensuring leaders are chosen by members 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.

Kindiki said the grassroots polls are part of the ruling party’s internal structures aimed at organising its membership and strengthening its political base ahead of future electoral contests.

He spoke after chairing a meeting at the party headquarters at Hustler Plaza in Nairobi.

UDA has been conducting grassroots elections in phases across different counties as it seeks to establish leadership structures from the polling station level to the national level.

The party has maintained that the process is designed to empower members at the grassroots and ensure leaders are directly accountable to party supporters.