Leading political parties, ODM and UDA, face a litmus test as they hold significant grassroot elections to strengthen their bases ahead of the 2027 general elections.
These
internal polls are critical in shaping the parties' leadership
structures and enhancing grassroot mobilisation efforts.
Big guns in both parties, including sitting MPs and their 2027 rivals, are expected to face off in the polls to secure slots at the National Delegates Conventions.
Winners in branch positions are considered the grassroots pillars and could use their positions to lobby for party tickets in the 2027 polls.
ODM had scheduled its grassroots elections in multiple phases, beginning April 27 to 30, 2024.
Then, polls were held in Kwale, Busia, Siaya, Kajiado, Migori, Wajir, Kisii, Vihiga, and Murang’a counties.
The party emphasised that only registered members, either life or ordinary, were eligible to participate as voters or aspirants.
Subsequent phases included polling unit elections held on November 27, 2024, across all 47 counties.
These polls elected 30 officials at each polling station, covering the Mainstream, Women’s League, and Youth League positions.
The party scheduled sub-branch (ward) elections for April 7, 2025, and branch
(constituency) elections for April 9, 2025, as part of its efforts to
strengthen party structures.
These sub-branch and branch elections are crucial, as they determine whether sitting MPs qualify as delegates to the national polls.
President William Ruto’s UDA party has also outlined a comprehensive grassroots election plan.
Initially
scheduled for December 9, 2023, the elections were postponed to begin in April 2024 to
allow more preparations and avoid internal divisions.
The elections were then held in phases:
April 26, 2024: Nairobi, Narok, West Pokot, Busia, Homa Bay, Isiolo, and Garissa
June 22,
2024: Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma,
Siaya, Taita Taveta, Wajir, Tana River, Kwale, and Marsabit
August 10, 2024: Kiambu, Embu, Kericho, Meru, Migori, Kakamega, Nyamira, Kitui, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Kajiado, Mandera, Kilifi, Murang’a, and Lamu
August 24, 2024: Nakuru, Bomet, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Baringo, Turkana, Laikipia, Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Vihiga, and Makueni
The party emphasized its commitment to conducting free and fair elections, using electronic voting systems to enhance transparency.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, including national demonstrations, some phases were rescheduled.
The second phase will be conducted on April 11 and 12, 2025, covering 22 counties.
On April 11, elections will be held in Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, Turkana, Kisii, Nyamira, Bungoma, Migori, Siaya, and Kisumu.
On April
12, polling will be conducted in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo,
Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River counties.
These grassroots elections are pivotal for both ODM and UDA as they aim to solidify organizational structures and grassroots support ahead of 2027.
For ODM,
the elections are part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the party and ensure
robust representation at all levels.
The party issued a stern warning against violence during the April 9 branch elections, stating that such actions could lead to severe consequences, including expulsion.
“Members
with grievances from the elections have been encouraged to file their
complaints through the party’s official dispute resolution platform,” said ODM
in a statement on April 8.
Through the party’s Secretary for Communication and Publicity Affairs Rahab Robi, ODM described the exercise as “largely successful, event-free, and quite encouraging.”
For UDA, the elections are crucial in establishing a strong foundation in counties where the party seeks to expand its influence.
On April 8, UDA announced that it had completed all preparations for the second phase of its grassroots elections scheduled for April 11 and 12, 2025, in 22 counties.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Party Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire at Hustler Plaza.
NEB Chairman Anthony Mwaura confirmed that logistical preparations were complete and election materials were ready for dispatch.
“We have finalized all the arrangements for the elections. The personnel are ready, and polling materials are assembled and ready for dispatch,” stated Mwaura.
To ensure a transparent and efficient voting process, UDA has procured over 10,000 electronic devices.
The outcomes of these elections will likely influence the internal dynamics of both parties, determining the leaders who will shape their agendas and strategies moving forward.
As such,
the grassroots polls represent a significant test of organizational capacity
and internal democracy for both ODM and UDA.
