NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has sought to allay growing anxiety among United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants, pledging that the party’s upcoming nominations will be free, fair, democratic and credible.
Speaking at State House during a meeting attended by a record 12,235 aspirants from across the country, the President said internal party democracy was a right for every member, not a privilege to be negotiated.
Ruto acknowledged concerns among aspirants competing against sitting governors, senators, MPs and MCAs—some of whom already wield influence within party structures—and assured them that the party would not tilt the process in favour of incumbents or powerful figures.
“I know many of you are wondering whether you will get a fair chance when your competitor is a sitting governor, senator or MP. I want to give you my personal undertaking that UDA will conduct free, fair, democratic and credible nominations,” Ruto said, drawing loud applause.
The President stressed that credible nominations were essential for the party’s unity and electoral success, adding that all contestants must accept the outcome once the process is concluded.
“We will make sure the one who wins, wins fairly, and the one who loses, loses fairly—then we unite and move forward,” he said.
Grassroots leaders to anchor party strength
Ruto placed strong emphasis on the role of polling centre officials, describing them as the backbone of UDA’s grassroots machinery.
He said the party would rely heavily on leaders elected at polling station level to coordinate logistics, distribute party materials, mobilise supporters and implement the party manifesto.
“These polling centre officials are very important. They are the people I am looking for,” he said, noting that during a recent visit to Nyeri County, over 17,000 grassroots leaders had already been elected.
According to the President, similar engagements would be held in all counties, with UDA leadership working closely with elected polling centre officials to strengthen the party’s presence at the grassroots.
“I cannot reach every polling station. These are the people who understand the grassroots and know how to plan and organise,” he added.
Call for peaceful politics and tolerance
The Head of State urged UDA members to conduct peaceful campaigns and embrace tolerance, even when engaging rivals from other political parties.
“Those in other parties are not enemies. They are just competitors,” Ruto said, calling for patience and respect as hallmarks of a healthy democracy.
He also condemned the intimidation of women aspirants during political meetings, terming the practice unacceptable and retrogressive.
“I have seen women aspirants being shouted down by men. What kind of man are you to shout down a woman?” he posed, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
Ruto noted that hostile political environments had discouraged many capable women from seeking leadership positions, insisting that women are equally capable leaders and must be accorded respect.
“We have very few women leaders because politics has been chaotic and intimidating. Women are as good leaders as anyone else,” he said.
‘A statement on the politics Kenyans want’
Ruto described the massive turnout of aspirants as unprecedented in his political career, interpreting it as a strong signal of the kind of politics Kenyans desire.
“This is a big statement. It shows people do not want politics of personalities or ethnicity, but politics that unite the nation and focus on plans and transformation,” he said.
