Africa-Press – Kenya. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has moved to unify its leadership in Bomet County amid divisions over the conduct of the party’s grassroots elections scheduled for January 10, 2026.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan Monday hosted leaders from the county for consultations aimed at resolving the stalemate and aligning the party ahead of the crucial exercise.
The meeting brought together Governor Hillary Barchok, Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei, former governor Isaac Rutto, MPs,MCAs and representatives of aspirants, in what party officials described as a key engagement to strengthen internal democracy.
Omar said the consultations underscored UDA’s commitment to people-driven leadership, noting that the party’s strength is anchored on a vibrant grassroots movement.
During the engagement, the SG provided clarifications on the roadmap, timelines and modalities of the grassroots polls, assuring leaders that the process would be free, fair and transparent.
“UDA is a grassroots-led movement. Our responsibility as a party is to ensure that the process reflects the will of the people and is conducted in a credible and peaceful manner,” Omar said.
The meeting was convened amid differences among leaders from the region over the mode of conducting the grassroots elections.
One faction, led by Governor Barchok and Ruto, had proposed that the exercise be conducted through consensus, while another group allied to Sigei opposed the approach, arguing for a competitive electoral process.
Rutto expressed concern that competitive process could be open to influence by some leaders, a position that contributed to the emergence of two parallel camps within the county.
During a recent consultative meeting in Bomet, Rutto stated that the grassroot elections marks a critical step in strengthening inclusivity from the Bottom-Up.
He noted that it presents an opportunity for our people including youth, women, Persons With Disabilities, professionals among other significant groups to play a role in shaping a meaningful path for the crucial processes ahead.
“This is why we are prioritising an open engagement on how to ensure that the process ahead is people-centered to lay a solid foundation for a stronger leadership,” he said.
Present at the meeting were MPs Brighton Yegon (Konoin), Richard Yegon (Bomet East) and Victor Koech (Chepalungu), Bomet Woman Representative Linet Chepkorir, MCAs led by Majority Leader Paul Kirui, and several ward representatives.
Among the MCAs who took part were Peter Mutai (Sigor), Kibet Ngetich (Siongiroi), Joseah Samoei (Nyongores) and Erick Kirui (Kimulot).
Party officials said Monday’s engagement provided a platform for open dialogue, helping to ease tensions and align leaders around a shared commitment to party unity and credible elections.
Following the discussions, leaders from the county pledged to mobilise and sensitise grassroots supporters to ensure peaceful, inclusive and successful elections.
The engagement with aspirants and elected leaders, they said, allowed for issue-based discussions, information sharing and clarification on ongoing and upcoming party processes.
They added the consultations had laid a solid foundation for a people-centred grassroots exercise, expected to strengthen UDA’s structures and leadership ahead of future political milestones
