NYERI, Kenya Sep 9 – In a significant move towards democratic party leadership, the ruling United Democratic Party (UDA) has announced that it will conduct its grassroots elections in December.
The announcement was made by President William Ruto, who serves as the party’s leader, on Sunday, highlighting the party’s commitment to strengthening itself through an inclusive and democratic process.
During the official opening of the United Democratic Alliance office in Nyeri, Nyeri County, President Ruto emphasized the importance of rallying Kenyans behind the bottom-up transformation agenda. He underscored that prioritizing agenda-based politics is a key step towards eradicating the divisive politics of ethnicity that has been a challenge in the country.
“We are going to make sure that we build a national party that is going to unite the country so that we can eliminate the politics of ethnicity,” President Ruto stated.
He was accompanied by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretaries Davis Chirchir, Alice Wahome, and Rebecca Miano, Governors Cecily Mbarire (Embu) and Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala, and various Members of Parliament.
As part of the day’s activities, President Ruto also launched the upgrading of several key roads to bitumen standard in Kieni East, Nyeri County. Additionally, he attended a thanksgiving service for Energy Principal Secretary Alex Kamau Wachira in Naromoru, Nyeri County.
President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its development agenda for the betterment of Kenyan lives. He assured the public that the government would not engage in power-sharing arrangements that might derail its agenda, emphasizing the importance of a strong opposition holding the government accountable.
Furthermore, President Ruto emphasized the government’s determination to eliminate intermediaries and cartels in the agricultural value chain to boost farmers’ incomes. He also assured that there was adequate budget allocation to complete stalled road projects across the nation, with the overarching goal of unlocking economic opportunities for the people.
Gachagua urged civil servants to execute their duties diligently and serve Kenyans effectively. Governor Mutahi Kahiga praised the government’s commitment to implementing transformative development programs, citing road construction as a notable example.
MP Nyoro highlighted the UDA’s dedication to building a party that would continue driving the country’s development agenda beyond election cycles. Meanwhile, Governor Cecily Mbarire encouraged women to actively participate in party affairs and seek leadership roles within the party.
The UDA’s decision to hold grassroots elections and promote agenda-based politics signifies a significant step in shaping the political landscape of Kenya.
