Kihika Assures UDA Aspirants Of Free, Fair Nominations In Nakuru

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Governor Susan Kihika has assured United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants seeking various seats in Nakuru County that party nominations will be free and fair as preparations to field candidates for the 2027 General Election begin.

Kihika gave the assurance during a consultative meeting with aspirants seeking the UDA ticket in the county. She also urged them to step up grassroots mobilization and conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of the elections.

The meeting centered on preparations for the 2027 polls, strengthening the party’s presence across Nakuru, and addressing concerns raised by aspirants about the nomination process and party support.

Issues discussed included the need for credible nominations, provision of party merchandise, platforms for aspirants to present their ideas, the absence of zoning, and ways to strengthen UDA structures at the grassroots.

The governor said the party should create an environment where all aspirants can engage voters, present their agendas, and compete for tickets without unnecessary internal or inter-party confrontations.

“I assure you that the nomination process will be free, fair and transparent, giving every candidate an equal opportunity to present their ideas and seek the support of UDA members,” the Governor said.

UDA has already set up an Aspirants’ Forum as part of its preparations for the 2027 elections. The party said the forum would help discuss how to conduct free, fair and transparent nominations.

In February, President William Ruto also told more than 12,000 aspirants seeking various elective positions that the party would hold free, fair, credible and democratic nominations.

The Nakuru meeting comes as competition for party tickets begins to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections, with aspirants expected to mobilize supporters and raise their profiles before the nomination exercise.

Kihika urged those seeking UDA tickets to focus on selling the party’s agenda to voters instead of clashing with politicians from rival parties.

She also called for greater visibility for UDA at the grassroots, saying aspirants should work together to strengthen the party’s structures across Nakuru’s constituencies and wards.

“Our focus should be on mobilizing voters, strengthening UDA from the grassroots and selling our development agenda. We must compete peacefully, avoid inter-party confrontations and give our people an opportunity to choose their preferred candidates,” she said.

The governor also urged aspirants to rally voters behind UDA candidates and President Ruto while pointing to what she described as the government’s development record and the Kenya Kwanza administration’s agenda.

She said the party’s preparations should be based on coordinated grassroots mobilization rather than individual campaigns, with aspirants expected to help grow UDA’s visibility and support across the county.

Kihika also addressed concerns about the absence of zoning, saying aspirants would be free to seek support for the positions they intend to contest as the party prepares its nomination framework.

The focus on nominations comes as UDA seeks to manage competition among incumbents, newcomers and other aspirants seeking its ticket for the 2027 elections. Earlier this year, the party opened registration for aspirants and put in place structures to guide the nomination process.

UDA has also linked its nomination preparations to strengthening its grassroots organization. The party says the structures are meant to support an inclusive political movement and has said women leaders should have equal opportunities through free, fair and democratic nominations.

The governor told the Nakuru aspirants she was confident the party could win in the next elections, while urging them to remain united and avoid actions that could disrupt the party’s preparations.

She said the aspirants’ immediate task was to engage voters, present their agendas and build support for UDA while maintaining peaceful political competition.

“I emphasize on the need for peaceful campaigns, intensified grassroots mobilization, and avoidance of inter-party confrontations,” she urged, citing UDA’s popularity in the region and the expected competition for elective positions.