Meru County has marked a significant milestone in grassroots democracy following the successful conduct of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections, which were held using a digital voting system.
One of the aspirants, Beatrice Karwitha, lauded the digital platform, saying it accurately captured the will of the electorate and boosted confidence in the outcome of the polls.
She attributed the success of the exercise to extensive voter sensitisation, noting that she engaged grassroots voters through local media and digital platforms to ensure they clearly understood the voting process.
Karwitha, who works in the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s office said party leadership should reflect the diversity of the people it serves.
“Our youth, women and dynamic entrepreneurs must see themselves represented in the party structure. It is time our leadership mirrors the face of our country,” she said.
The digital process was widely praised for enhancing efficiency, transparency and credibility, with results transmitted and declared shortly after the close of polling.
Party officials and participants said the system enabled smooth voting while minimizing delays, disputes and logistical challenges.
The adoption of technology reflected a growing embrace of digital solutions in political processes at the local level, with observers noting that the exercise demonstrated how technology can strengthen internal party democracy.
Karwitha, who is vying for the position of UDA Meru County Chairperson, highlighted the role of the party constitution, which requires aspirants to first seek endorsement from their grassroots polling stations before advancing to higher party levels.
She said receiving unanimous support from her local polling station was a strong vote of confidence from her immediate community and underscored the importance of grassroots backing in party leadership contests.
Observers described the outcome of the Meru elections as a reflection of strong local networks and effective mobilisation, citing the exercise as a potential model for future party and public elections.
As the county prepares for the next stages of the party leadership process, leaders and aspirants have expressed optimism that the digital voting experience will strengthen internal democracy and set a new standard for political participation.
The January 10 grassroots elections attracted more than 32,000 UDA members contesting various leadership positions across Meru County.
Ahead of the elections, Meru Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said the exercise had generated massive interest, underscoring the party’s growing influence in the county.
She noted that UDA has about 122,000 registered members in Meru, making it the most popular political party in the region.
“UDA is the largest party in Meru with the highest number of followers. We are urging all registered members to turn out in large numbers and vote for their preferred candidates who will form the party’s Congress. We have carried out extensive grassroots sensitisation to ensure members understand the process,” Kiome said.
She added that President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who serve as the party leader and deputy party leader respectively, enjoy overwhelming support across the county.
Edited by John Majau.
