UDA Ignites Mbeere Primaries: Fresh Arena for Kindiki-Gachagua Rivalry

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially opened registration for repeat grassroots elections in select polling centres across 42 counties.

In a notice dated January 21, by the UDA National Elections Board, the chair, Anthony Mwaura, announced that the move follows a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee and the Elections and Nominations Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) after irregularities and vacant positions were identified in the recent grassroots polls.

“The Committee resolved that the Party shall conduct repeat elections in SELECT polling centres across the 42 counties on the 7th March 2026 for Phase III elections and on the 28th of March 2026 for Phase II elections. The respective polling centres are detailed in the link:https://app.uda.ke/grassroot-open-positions,” the notice partially read.

This move involves repeat grassroots elections and primaries in areas like Evurore and Muminji wards ahead of February 2026 by-elections.

Mbeere North has been a hotspot for Kenya Kwanza internal rivalries, notably during the November 2025 parliamentary by-election where UDA’s Leonard Muthende narrowly defeated rivals amid heavy campaigning by both Kindiki and Gachagua.

Kindiki rallied voters against Gachagua’s opposition push, promising development and unity, while Gachagua positioned himself as a regional kingpin challenging the ruling party’s hold on Mt. Kenya East.

The area saw bribery allegations and chaotic scenes, underscoring deep factional divides.

Key Dates and Locations

UDA’s schedule, published via the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), targets direct or indirect nominations at polling stations per IEBC gazette notices.

January 10, 2026: Evurore Ward, Mbeere North, Embu County.

January 10, 2026: Muminji Ward, Mbeere North, Embu County.

These primaries aim to select flag-bearers for upcoming by-elections, with broader UDA repeat grassroots polls planned across 22 counties on dates like March 28, 2026.

UDA has rolled out a clear plan for its repeat grassroots elections, addressing past disputes with fresh polls in key areas.

Phase III kicks off on March 7, 2026, while Phase II follows on March 28, 2026. Registration opened January 21 and runs until February 21, making it easy for new faces to jump in.

According to the registration rules, If you were already registered as an aspirant, no need to sign up again just check if your polling center is part of the repeats and join in, New aspirants must register by February 21 and Everyone’s urged to double-check their local polling stations to avoid missing out, as stressed by the UDA National Elections Board led by Anthony Mwaura.

These polls hit March 7 in big counties like Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Embu (including Evurore and Muminji wards), Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nakuru, and others up to Vihiga. Spots like West Kabras in Kakamega add to the mix, where old rivalries could spark fresh battles.

Phase II Coverage on March 28 brings repeats to coastal and western areas: Mombasa, Kilifi, Garissa, Kitui, Machakos, Turkana, Bungoma, Kisumu, Kisii, and more. It’s a wide net to settle grassroots spots across 42 counties total.

Expect heated competition, especially in Mbeere North’s Embu wards tied to Kindiki-Gachagua tensions. UDA aims for fairness post-complaints, setting the stage for stronger party unity ahead of bigger fights.