The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Kitui branch on Friday held a sensitisation forum for aspirants from Kitui Rural Constituency and Kitui Central Constituency to deliberate on strategies aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The meeting, held at the party offices in Kitui town, was organised by UDA Kitui branch Administrator Hon. Bryan Muthoka Tsaul and brought together hundreds of aspirants seeking various elective positions, including Member of County Assembly (MCA), Member of Parliament, Senatorial, and Gubernatorial seats.

Speaking during the forum, Hon. Bryan Tsaul said the sensitisation meeting was crucial and aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts and preparing aspirants for the political dynamics ahead of the 2027 polls. “The purpose of this meeting is to ensure our aspirants are well prepared and aligned with the party’s grassroots mobilisation strategy as well as the party’s vision and agenda as we approach the 2027 General Election,” he said.

UDA party loyalist Alfred Wendi urged party members and leaders to remain united, warning that internal divisions previously weakened the party’s performance in the county. “We must remain united,  focused and work together as one team. Disunity among our leaders and members during the 2022 elections contributed significantly to the party losing several elective seats in Kitui,” Mr. Wendi said.

During the meeting, Hon. James Musyoka alias Mauta defended leaders from Kitui who have been appointed or elected under the leadership of President William Ruto, including Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, Boniface Musambi, Moses Mbanda among others, against criticism from sections of leaders questioning their development track record in the county.

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Hon. Mauta noted that through consistent lobbying and engagement with the President, several flagship development projects had been initiated in the county. These include the construction and upgrading of 10,000-seater Ithookwe Stadium, improvement of the Ithookwe airstrip, establishment of a Kitui mini state lounge, and expansion of road infrastructure among other projects. “These leaders have played a key role in ensuring Kitui benefits from national government development programs through their engagement and representation,” he said.

Also addressing during the forum Yatta/Kwa Vonza Ward MCA aspirant Hon. Benjamin Mutisya Mwanzia also dismissed claims that leaders appointed by President Ruto had failed to deliver meaningful development in Kitui, terming the allegations as politically motivated. “These claims are politically orchestrated and do not reflect the truth on the ground. There are clear development initiatives being implemented for the benefit of our people,” he said.

The leaders’ remarks come amid recent criticism by political activist Sammy Muisyo, who recently accused some appointed leaders of being inaccessible and disconnected from grassroots issues.

This meeting comes just days after the United Democratic Alliance party convened a nationwide aspirants’ forum at State House Nairobi, chaired by party leader and President William Ruto, which brought together more than 12,000 aspirants from across the country.

The sensitisation forum is part of UDA’s efforts to consolidate its support base and position itself competitively in Kitui County by enhancing coordination among aspirants and strengthening grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.

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