President William Ruto has cast his vote at Koilelel Primary School in Uasin Gishu, personally participating in the UDA grassroots elections to signal his commitment to party democracy.

Arriving without the usual heavy motorcade fanfare, Ruto interacted with village mates before selecting his preferred ward representatives on the digital tablet. "This is how we build a party that lasts beyond an individual," he stated.

The Bigger Picture

The UDA polls are a logistical marvel, covering 20 counties simultaneously. By voting, Ruto is trying to cure the "Jubilee curse"—the collapse of ruling parties due to a lack of grassroots legitimacy.

• Turnout: Inspired by the President, turnout in Uasin Gishu was reported to be high. However, other regions like Nairobi reported lower enthusiasm, highlighting the disparity in party penetration.
• Safety: Security was tight but unobtrusive. The President’s goal was to show that internal elections can be peaceful, countering the narrative of chaos that often surrounds Kenyan party primaries.