The race for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairperson seat in Meru County has intensified, with more contenders from the Mount Kenya region throwing their hats into the ring ahead of the party’s grassroots elections.
Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri and politician Beatrice Karwitha have formally declared their interest in the influential position, joining Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, who announced his bid weeks earlier. The growing list of aspirants has set the stage for a fierce political showdown within the ruling party at the county level.
The three hopefuls have stepped up campaigns as the UDA grassroots elections, scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, draw closer. The polls will shape the party’s leadership structure at the grassroots and influence future political alignments in the region.
Speaking to journalists at the Meru County headquarters on Thursday, Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said the exercise has attracted massive interest, with over 32,000 party members contesting for various leadership positions across the county.
Kiome said UDA remains the dominant political force in Meru, crediting its popularity to the party leadership.
“UDA is the largest and most popular party in Meru. It has the highest number of followers, with about 122,000 registered members. We urge all registered members to come out and vote for their preferred candidates who will form the Congress on Saturday. We have conducted extensive grassroots sensitisation,” Kiome said.
She was accompanied by several UDA Members of Parliament, including Mugambi Rindikiri, Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated), Kirima Ngushine (Imenti Central), John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North) and Dan Kiili (Igembe Central).
Kiome assured party members that the elections would be conducted transparently, using technology to enhance credibility.
“This is an election like any other that complies with all electoral laws. Constituency returning officers have undergone thorough training. Voting will be done using digital electronic gadgets that will provide real-time results. Once the returning officers complete their work, the results will be displayed immediately,” she said.
She added that the electronic voting system had already been tested in other counties, including Nairobi, without incidents of failure or hacking.
For his part, Rindikiri said Meru County has 1,048 polling stations, each expected to elect 20 party officials representing various sectors.
“All preparations for Saturday’s elections are complete. Polling stations will open at 9.00 a.m. and will close depending on the number of voters lining up to cast their ballots,” Rindikiri said.
To vote, participants must present a national identity card and be registered UDA members. The county has about 122,000 registered members, with roughly 32,000 vying for different party positions.
Rindikiri said unsuccessful candidates would be expected to rally behind the winners to strengthen party unity.
The grassroots polls will pave the way for ward-level elections, followed by sub-county and national party contests, positioning the Meru chairperson seat as a key battleground in UDA’s Mount Kenya political landscape.
