By Suleiman Mbatiah
Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria has assured all aspirants that the upcoming United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections, scheduled for January 10, 2026, will be conducted transparently and credibly, ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and adherence to established party regulations.
Gikaria said the party will conduct the polls in line with the Political Parties Act, starting from the lowest party organs up to the national level. He noted that the exercise is meant to strengthen internal democracy and build a solid grassroots leadership structure ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Nakuru senatorial aspirant was speaking during a meeting with UDA aspirants from Nakuru Town East seeking party positions and elective seats today at Section 58 Center in Biashara Ward, outlining party vision, priorities and the importance of grassroots engagement.
He said the grassroots elections were intended to build the party from its lowest structures upwards, noting that sustainable political strength could only be achieved when leadership was firmly anchored at the community level.
Gikaria emphasized President William Ruto’s dedication to strengthening democratic practices within UDA, lamenting that many political parties in Kenya often lose relevance and weaken over time, even when they enjoy the loyalty and support of committed members.
“It is only in Kenya where a party can collapse despite having life members,” he said, adding that UDA was determined to chart a different path as a party’s credibility and long-term stability depended on leaders who emerged through a legitimate, participatory process at the grassroots.
He described UDA as a truly national party and called on Kenyans from all communities, regions, and social backgrounds to actively participate in the grassroots elections, emphasizing that every member, regardless of status, would have an equal opportunity.
Gikaria further announced that a nationwide party membership registration drive would commence on Monday, emphasizing that enrolling new members and updating existing records was important to reinforcing the party’s structure.
The grassroots elections will be held simultaneously in 20 counties, including Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Samburu, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Kakamega and Vihiga.
During the meeting, Gikaria criticized Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, accusing him of deliberately misleading the public regarding the sale of Safaricom shares and the privatization of state-owned enterprises, warning that such misinformation undermined public understanding of national economic reforms.
He defended the government’s economic approach, saying strategic asset sales would help the country raise revenue for development and reduce overreliance on borrowing, which he said has strained the economy.
Gikaria maintained that President Ruto’s development agenda, which he referred to as the “Singapore Dream,” remained on course, citing the rollout of the affordable housing programme as evidence of progress.
He vowed that Kenya Kwanza was poised to retain the presidency and secure a majority of parliamentary and county seats in the 2027 elections, with recent by-election results reflecting strong voter support and confidence in the coalition’s performance.
“After the Mbeere North by-elections, it is now evident who the real Mt Kenya kingpin is. DP Kithure Kindiki warned Gachagua, and the results from recent events have clearly confirmed his influence and authority in the region,” he stated.