The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is today conducting a massive grassroots election exercise, with over 310,000 candidates vying for party positions across 20 counties. It is a logistical behemoth that will test the party's unity and digital infrastructure.

From the ward to the county level, the "Hustler" party is renewing its mandate. The elections are seen as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 General Election, allowing the party to identify its strongest mobilizers and purge inactive officials.

High Stakes

For aspiring politicians, capturing a party seat is the first step toward a nomination ticket. The competition is fierce, with reports of intense lobbying and realignment in key battlegrounds like Nairobi and Mombasa.

• Digital Voting: UDA is deploying electronic voting tablets to ensure transparency and speed. This is a litmus test for the party’s claim of being a "digital" outfit.
• Factional Wars: The elections come amidst rumors of a rift between the President and his Deputy. Proxy wars are expected to play out at the grassroots as rival camps seek to control the party delegates.
• Security: Police have been deployed to hotspots to prevent clashes. Past party primaries in Kenya have often been marred by violence, and UDA is keen to project an image of order.

Democracy on Trial

If successful, UDA will have established a formidable nationwide structure that dwarfs the opposition. However, if the process is marred by rigging claims, it could fracture the ruling coalition before the real campaign even begins. Today, the yellow wave is put to the test.