NAIROBI, Kenya Jan 10 – President William Ruto on Saturday queued like other party members to take part in the ongoing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections.
The President voted at Koilelel Primary School in Uasin Gishu County, where he joined hundreds of ordinary party members lining up to elect grassroots officials.
He was accompanied by leaders from the region as he patiently waited his turn before casting his vote.
Images and videos of Ruto standing in line spread fast on social media.
Ruto, who is also the UDA party leader, said his “participation was meant to demonstrate the party’s commitment to strong structures and democratic processes from the lowest level.”
By taking part in the exercise, the President underscored that UDA values participation, order and fairness even at the grassroots rather than decisions being made at the top.
Party officials said the elections are a key step in strengthening UDA ahead of future political contests, including the 2027 General Election.
UDA is conducting what is shaping up to be one of the largest grassroots party elections in Kenya’s history.
According to party data, more than 310,000 candidates have registered to contest various positions across 20 counties, with voting taking place in about 12,000 polling centres nationwide.
An estimated three million party members are expected to participate.
The elections cover several levels, starting from polling centres and moving up to wards, constituencies and counties, before culminating in a National Delegates Convention later this year.
At the polling centre level, members are electing officials representing groups such as youth, women, professionals, farmers, traders, religious groups and special interest groups. Higher-level positions at ward, constituency and county levels will follow.
The party has set modest registration fees for aspirants, with UDA projecting that the entire exercise will cost about Sh180 million.
The grassroots polls are seen as a major political test for UDA, especially in regions like Mt Kenya and the Rift Valley, which form the backbone of President Ruto’s support base.