President William Ruto, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, congratulated the winners of the recently concluded United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party nominations.

In a post on his official X account, the Head of State said, “Congratulations to all the winners of the just concluded United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party nominations. The free, fair, and non-violent process — the very foundation of our party — manifests UDA’s devotion to the will of the people. We will unite and drive formidable campaigns that will deliver victory to our candidates in the November 27 by-elections.”

His statement set the tone for the party’s preparation for the upcoming by-elections, underscoring UDA’s emphasis on unity and adherence to democratic principles.

The party leadership had earlier been cautioned against issuing direct tickets.

Electronic voting system

The nominations, conducted across multiple counties and wards, introduced an electronic voting system that drew commendation from senior party figures.

Businessman and politician Bundotich Zedekiah Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki, who recently joined UDA, described the process as “revolutionary” in a post on his X account on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Buzeki cited the Tembelio Ward nominations, where Reuben Kigen Tobosei secured victory with 3,454 votes, as evidence of the system’s transparency and efficiency. He congratulated Tobosei, noting that the approach eliminated many traditional complaints of malpractice.

“Today’s UDA by-election party nominations showed the true spirit of democracy. With electronic voting, there is no rigging, no irregularities – just free, fair, and transparent polls. Voting was fast; results were instant. This is revolutionary!” Buzeki wrote.

UDA National Elections Board chairperson Anthony Mwaura, speaking on September 20, 2025, urged other political parties and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to emulate the model.

He pointed out that nominations had been successfully conducted in Kariobangi, Kisia East, Lakeside, and Metkei, with additional primaries slated for Monday, September 22, 2025, in Nandi and Nyamira counties.

“We would like to urge the other party to copy this success. As I said earlier, if the IEBC can embrace technology, it means by midnight of the ninth, a day after the election date, then we would know who the president is,” he stated.

November polls

In Malava, Kakamega County, Minority Leader David Ndakwa clinched the UDA ticket with 6,477 votes, setting up a contest against DAP-K’s Seth Panyako and Democracy for Citizens’ Party’s Edgar Busiega during the November 27 by-election.