UDA conducts sensitization workshops ahead of Kirinyaga grassroots repeat elections

The repeat elections follow a previous round held about a month ago, in which some polling stations reportedly failed to meet minimum thresholds, including voter turnout and compliance with demographic requirements such as gender and age of aspirants.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru praised the exercise, saying it demonstrated that UDA is a people-centred party that listens and responds.

“Following members’ calls for greater involvement and civic education, the party took the process back to the ground. The huge turnout once again confirms that Kirinyaga stands firmly with UDA and the Kenya Kwanza government as we strengthen our grassroots structures,” Waiguru posted online.

During a sensitisation forum in Gichugu Constituency, Salma Ochieng, a trainer from the party headquarters, explained that the grassroots elections will be conducted in four levels: polling centres, wards, constituencies, and nationally.

The workshop focused on the polling centre level, where all eligible members vote. Those elected at this level serve as delegates for ward-level elections, which then feed into the constituency and national delegate system.

“We are here today to ensure that each polling centre meets the minimum threshold for the representatives who will be elected,” Ochieng said. She added that UDA had scrapped the manual voting system in favour of electronic voting to enhance efficiency, transparency, and credibility.

Ishmael Bosire, a trainer for Ndia Constituency members, expressed optimism that the sensitisation exercise would address previous shortcomings and ensure that the upcoming elections meet expected standards.

Aspirants and party members welcomed the initiative. Esther Macai, a UDA grassroots aspirant from Njukiini Ward, Gichugu, said: “The exercise has been very informative. Most of us did not fully understand the eligibility criteria during the last elections, but now we are well informed and ready for a successful process.”

Cecily Wairiuko, a UDA member from Kiaragana, commended the party for listening to its members. She added that voters’ support for UDA stems from President William Ruto’s delivery on campaign promises through various national development projects. Wairiuko also lauded Governor Waiguru for the county’s visible transformation, citing tangible development under her leadership.

The deadline for aspirant registration is February 21, ahead of the March 7 repeat elections. Party officials urged members to familiarize themselves with the guidelines and actively participate to strengthen grassroots leadership structures across Kirinyaga.