Ruto tells UDA members to prepare for grassroots elections in December

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has cleared the way for grassroots elections of the ruling party scheduled for December 9, 2023. 

President William Ruto, who graced the inaugural National Governing Council (NGC) meeting at the Bomas of Kenya on Friday, directed current party officials led by Secretary General Cleophas Malala to ensure the elections are above board.

President Ruto also requested the NGC to allow the party to reach out to other political parties who will be interested in folding their outfits and joining UDA. 

In attendance at UDA's NGC were all elected Governors, Members of Parliament and Members of the County Assemblies as well as its party leader and deputy.

“Having followed the party constitution, this meeting is now procedurally called and can now transact business,” Malala declared.

At the Bomas of Kenya, the impending elections loomed large, with President Ruto who also doubles up as UDA party leader warnimg that no one will be handed a free party position in the party polls.

“Nobody will be given a seat on a platter...everyone must be elected by the party members,” Ruto said.

UDA, which said it has 7.2 million registered members, will use technology to ensure the grassroots polls are above board.

“Mimi sina kiti kwa chama ya kuchaguliwa…hata Malala hapa hajachaguliwa na delegates...sisi wote tunashikilia tu kwa sai,” Ruto noted.

Malala added: “Your Excellency, we want to build a strong party and we are going to open party branches across Kenya starting with Homa Bay, we want you to accompany us on the 7th of next week to Homa Bay.”

Even as UDA prepares for the party elections, the dissolution of smaller parties within the Kenya Kwanza coalition to form one formidable force was also mooted amidst calls for Ford Kenya and ANC parties to also fold their parties and join UDA.

“I am also asking permission from the NGC to allow us to talk to other parties...those who will want to join us and even those others that will not want to will not be forced to,” Ruto stated.

Malala has been leading the call to have other parties in the Kenya Kwanza coalition disband and join UDA ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Kuna wengine wetu hapa wamekuwa mstari wa mbele kuambia vyama vingine lazima waungane na sisi...si lazima, ni hiari,” Ruto said.

President Ruto promised to look into the welfare of the Members of the County Assemblies and vowed to ensure that they also receive pensions just like Members of Parliament.

“MCAs mtakuja State House tuongee… lazima mpate pension, na lazima mkuwe independent kwa kazi yenu,” said the President.