The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has reaffirmed its support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the August 2027 General Election.
The party has also unveiled an eight-point strategy to transform itself into a national party.
In a statement issued after a joint National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Governing Council (NGC) meeting on October 17, 2026, the party said it had reviewed its growth, national political developments, strategic partnerships and preparations for the polls.
UDM party leader Senator Ali Roba read the statement to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting at a hotel in Machakos county.
The party said it would accelerate its expansion across all 47 counties while consolidating its traditional strongholds, guided by its philosophy of Ustawi Kwa Wote — Prosperity for All.
UDM said it would intensify grassroots mobilisation, membership registration and the establishment of functional structures at county, constituency, ward and polling centre levels. The efforts would focus on young people, women and previously underrepresented communities.
On politics, UDM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting President Ruto’s bid for a second term, saying the position was consistent with its established partnership and its stance on national stability and continuity.
The party also said it would deepen its partnership within the broad-based political arrangement through structured consultations, mutual respect, meaningful participation and shared development priorities, while safeguarding its distinct identity and institutional independence.
On candidates, UDM said it would undertake targeted identification and preparation of credible candidates for governor, senator, parliamentary, Woman Representative and county assembly seats across the country.
The approach, it said, would be guided by political assessments, competitive opportunities, merit and transparent nomination processes.
The party announced that it would publish a public advertisement in two major newspapers by October 27, 2027, inviting aspirants to register their interest.
On policy, UDM said it would advance its national development blueprint, prioritising poverty reduction, rural revitalisation, agricultural and livestock modernisation, industrialisation, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment, technological advancement, equitable development and stronger devolution.
The party also pledged to strengthen governance, organisational discipline, leadership development, digital membership systems and internal democratic structures.
“Having emerged as a strong political voice from Kenya’s historically marginalised pastoralist regions, we remain determined to broaden our national presence and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s democratic and economic transformation,” the statement read.
