• This bold move was initiated by President William Ruto last year when he officially opened the party’s headquarters in Homa Bay County.

The United Democratic Party from Homa Bay County will hold its first grassroots election on April 26, 2024, in a territory dominated by the Orange Democratic Movement.

This bold move was initiated by President William Ruto last year when he officially opened the party’s headquarters in Homa Bay County.

During the election sensitization process at the headquarters on April 22, 2024, UDA party member of the elections board Halaki Dida said that the party is ready to hold peaceful elections despite intimidation from the opposing party.

“This is the first time we are holding elections in this region. Today, we have sensitized our party members in readiness for the elections that will be held on April 26. I want to assure our people that peace will reign during the entire process,” he said.

 Mr Halaki also said 20 seats falling under seven categories will be contested. He added that it is the right of the party members to exercise their democratic rights by electing their party leaders.

“We have 20 seats divided into seven categories: youths, professionals, farmers, traders, special interests, and party members. We are calling upon our party members to come out and vote for the leaders they want,” he said.

Lydia Munika, a member of the elections board, also warned those who want to interfere with the grassroots party election. She said that only registered voters will be allowed access to the polling stations.

“Our opponents are worried that we are gaining popularity in their region. We want to assure our party members that our election process will be foul-proof and that we are here to safeguard the interests of UDA members," Munika said.

On the other hand, Kennedy Ongati, a party member and a resident of Homa Bay, said that they are ready for the grassroots elections and that the election materials are set for D-day.

“The team from Nairobi has already done the sensitization process, and we know what is expected of us on the election date. We call for a peaceful process and maximum cooperation from our party members, “said Ongati.