Ruto Assures UDA Aspirants of Free, Fair Nominations as 12,235 Hopefuls Attend State House Forum
By Chemtai Kirui
Nairobi, Feb 4 — President William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto has hosted more than 12,000 aspirants seeking United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party tickets for the 2027 General Election, assuring them that the party’s nomination process will be free, fair, and democratic.
Ruto addressed the gathering, the inaugural UDA Party Aspirants Forum, at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday, where hopeful candidates from across the country were present ahead of party primaries.
According to the party, 12,235 aspirants who registered to contest various elective positions were confirmed to attend the forum after receiving official invitations.
Attendance was limited to those whose registration had been verified by the United Democratic Alliance.
In his remarks, Ruto said the high number of aspirants reflects the party’s broad national appeal and competitiveness in the political landscape. He also sought to reassure members who feared they might be edged out by more powerful rivals that internal party democracy would be upheld.
“No political party has attracted these numbers even when we were in Jubilee,” the president said, according to verified reports, drawing a comparison with past nomination drives.
The aspirants include hopefuls for the governor, senator, women’s representative, member of the National Assembly and county assembly (MCA) positions, demonstrating competition across all levels of elective posts.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who has played a key role in the party’s grassroots mobilisation, echoed the president’s emphasis on inclusive internal processes.
A UDA clarification issued ahead of the forum stated that only aspirants with verified confirmation and identification would be granted entry to the State House event.
Political analysts say the turnout of aspirants underscores the high stakes of the 2027 nomination process within the ruling party, where competition for tickets is expected to be intense.
The party has also been engaged in grassroots organisational activities across the country, including repeat elections in counties where early polls were contested, as it seeks to strengthen its nationwide presence ahead of the general election.
The meeting comes as political parties begin early preparations for the 2027 elections amid ongoing public debate over the cost of living and governance reforms.
