President Ruto votes in ongoing UDA grassroot elections - PHOTOS

President William Ruto on Saturday, January 10, voted in the ongoing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections at Koilel Primary School in Uasin Gishu County. 

The President pointed out that the elections were taking place in 20 counties, with party members voting to elect officials at the polling centre level.

“Voted in the United Democratic Alliance party grassroots elections at Koilel Primary School, Uasin Gishu County, to elect party officials,” read President Ruto's post on X. 

He commended the large number of candidates who stepped forward to seek leadership positions at the grassroots, saying their participation strengthens the party and advances the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“I commend all the candidates for stepping forward in numbers far beyond expectation to offer leadership at the grassroots. Their commitment strengthens our party and advances the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which is anchored on inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” he noted. 

The President also praised party members who turned out to vote, saying the exercise reflects the party’s commitment to democratic governance and responsive leadership.

“As a party, we remain firmly committed to democratic governance and responsive leadership that listens to the people and delivers on their priorities,” he added.

The UDA grassroots elections are being held in 12,000 polling centres nationwide, with official party data showing that 310,651 candidates registered to contest various positions, surpassing the 237,940 available party offices.

An estimated three million party members are expected to take part in the exercise, translating to an average of about 250 voters per polling centre.

The Mt Kenya region has emerged as a key battleground, recording some of the highest numbers of candidates. Meru County leads with 35,343 candidates against an initial projection of 21,000. Kiambu registered 21,000 candidates, Murang’a 20,880, Nyandarua 18,665, Nyeri 16,448, Kirinyaga 14,000, and Embu 15,881.

In the Rift Valley region, Nakuru County recorded 30,010 candidates, while Bomet had 25,350. Other counties include Nandi with 15,220 candidates, Uasin Gishu 13,570, Kericho 5,967, Baringo 11,842, Samburu 4,386, Laikipia 2,958, and Elgeyo/Marakwet 7,236.

Western Kenya also posted strong participation, with Kakamega registering 32,677 candidates, Vihiga 7,327, and Trans Nzoia 7,825.

Overall, party data shows that 223,425 candidates are facing contests, while 80,038 candidates are unopposed as the UDA seeks to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 polls.