Photos shared by UDA on social media showed the ballot boxes in the lakeside city, confirming that the party is actively organizing its internal polls even in regions long considered hostile territory.
The exercise, scheduled for April 23, is part of UDA’s nationwide drive to elect grassroots officials from the polling station level upwards.
Kisumu County has historically been the bedrock of the ODM party, led by Raila Odinga. For years, the region has voted overwhelmingly for ODM in general elections, making it a challenging ground for President William Ruto’s UDA party. However, the latest move indicates a strategic shift.
Political analysts note that UDA is determined to strengthen its political base across all 47 counties, including Nyanza.
By holding legitimate grassroots elections in Kisumu, the party aims to build local structures, identify leaders, and offer an alternative voice to residents who may feel left out of the national government.
The presence of UDA ballot boxes in Kisumu has sparked mixed reactions.
While some locals dismissed it as a symbolic gesture, others acknowledged that the party is slowly gaining a foothold through development promises and direct engagement.
UDA maintains that its goal is to become a truly national party.
As the ballot boxes remain in place, it is clear that UDA is playing the long game, seeking to transform Kisumu from an exclusive ODM zone into a competitive political ground ahead of future elections.
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