By Suleiman Mbatiah
The United Democratic Alliance has been urged to draw lessons from its recently concluded grassroots elections to prevent a repeat of logistical failures during the 2027 party nominations.
Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria said the weekend exercise exposed weaknesses that could erode confidence in the party’s internal democracy if left unaddressed.
He cited late deployment of party officials and delayed opening of polling centres in several areas. In some cases, voting did not take place at all.
“At Lakeview and Mirugi Kariuki primary schools, polling centres were not opened,” Mr Gikaria said, adding that party members in those areas were denied their right to participate.
Out of the 55 polling centres earmarked for Nakuru Town East Constituency, he said only nine experienced major disruptions. Still, he insisted that even isolated failures must be treated seriously.
“Party members in those areas have a right to vote. We will formally notify the party so that these challenges are corrected ahead of the main nominations,” he said.
The 2027 Nakuru Senatorial aspirant also pointed to technical problems, saying some electronic devices failed while others wrongly profiled candidates, causing confusion at polling stations.
UDA conducted the grassroots elections to pick officials at polling centre, ward, constituency and county levels. The exercise is meant to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2027 General Election, where nominations are expected to be highly competitive.
Mr Gikaria said the credibility of that process would depend on proper planning, reliable technology and strict adherence to timelines. He urged party officials to emulate William Ruto, particularly on time management, warning that delays send the wrong signal to ordinary members.
“The party must assure members that the electronic voting system will work during the nominations. These are serious matters affecting the masses,” he said.
He added that feedback from the grassroots should be used to refine systems, train officials and ensure future party exercises are smooth, transparent and inclusive.
Official party data shows 310,651 candidates registered for grassroots elections in 20 counties, exceeding the 237,940 party positions available.
The Mt Kenya region recorded the highest numbers, led by Meru with 35,343 candidates against a projected 21,000. Kiambu registered 21,000, Murang’a 20,880, Nyandarua 18,665, Nyeri 16,448, Embu 15,881 and Kirinyaga 14,000.
In the Rift Valley, Nakuru recorded 30,010 candidates, Bomet 25,350, Nandi 15,220 and Uasin Gishu 13,570. Baringo had 11,842, Elgeyo/Marakwet 7,236, Kericho 5,967, Samburu 4,386 and Laikipia 2,958.
Executive Director Nicodemus Bore praised the elections board, saying the exercise was well coordinated and seamless. Director of Elections Higgins Mbugua urged the secretariat to maintain the momentum as preparations begin for the next phase.