The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on Thursday conducted a series of sensitization workshops across Kirinyaga County in preparation for the repeat grassroots elections scheduled for March 7.
The repeat polls 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.
Governor Waiguru Praises the Exercise
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru lauded the sensitization drive, describing it as proof that UDA is a people-centred party that listens and responds to its members.
“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.
Training and Electoral Structure
During a 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 stage will serve as delegates for ward-level elections, which then feed into the constituency and national delegate system.
Ochieng emphasized that UDA had scrapped manual voting in favour of electronic voting to enhance efficiency, transparency, and credibility.
Addressing Past Shortcomings
Ishmael Bosire, a trainer for Ndia Constituency, expressed optimism that the sensitization exercise would resolve previous challenges and ensure the upcoming elections meet expected standards.
Grassroots aspirants and members welcomed the initiative. Esther Macai, an 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 attributed voter support for UDA to President William Ruto’s delivery on campaign promises and praised Governor Waiguru for visible county transformation.
Key Dates
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.
