Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced new dates for its party nominations in three county assembly wards ahead of by-elections. The party’s National Elections Board (NEB), chaired by Anthony Mwaura, confirmed the adjustments in a notice issued on January 6, 2026.
The changes affect members, aspirants, officials, and other stakeholders in Evurore and Muminji wards in Embu County, as well as West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County.
UDA will now hold party nominations in all three wards on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The winners will represent the party in the by-elections slated for February 26, 2026.
Following the nominations, the party will conduct Party Polling Centre elections on Saturday, January 17, 2026. These internal polls, held at the polling station level, aim to elect local party officials and strengthen UDA’s grassroots organisation in the affected wards.
“The notice targets party members, aspirants, officials, and stakeholders in Evurore Ward and Muminji Ward in Embu County, as well as West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County. UDA plans to hold party nominations on Saturday, 10 January 2026 in these wards,” the notice reads.
“Aspirants compete for the chance to represent the party in the by-elections set for 26 February 2026. Following the nominations, UDA schedules grassroots elections known as Party Polling Centre elections, for the same three wards only on Saturday, 17 January 2026. These internal polls elect local party officials at the polling station level.”
According to the NEB, the revised timetable follows the UDA Constitution, Party Nomination Rules, the Political Parties Act 2011 (as amended), and the guidelines of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). All participants are expected to strictly adhere to these rules.
Aspirants and party members must meet clear requirements. They are expected to follow the party constitution, nomination rules, and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties, as well as directives from the NEB and other electoral authorities. Eligibility, criteria, and procedures will remain in line with Kenyan law and UDA regulations.
The vacancies arose after recent political movements. In Embu County, Newton Kariuki of Muminji Ward and Duncan Mbui of Evurore Ward resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in November 2025, losing to UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende.
In Kakamega County, David Ndakwa stepped down from West Kabras Ward after winning the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat.
The IEBC has officially scheduled the by-elections for February 26, 2026, alongside the Isiolo South Constituency poll. UDA leaders expressed confidence in holding on to the three county assembly seats, pointing to their previous victories in the region.
Party officials say the new timetable ensures a fair and transparent process while giving candidates enough time to meet all requirements. They also urged members to maintain discipline and comply fully with all rules.
