UDA postpones Tana River grassroots elections indefinitely
By Aloys Michael, May 1, 2026The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has once again postponed its grassroots elections in Tana River County, pushing the exercise indefinitely.
In a notice dated April 30, 2026, the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) confirmed that the polls, which had been rescheduled to May 2, 2026, will no longer take place as planned.
“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the UDA National Elections Board has Postponed the Tana River County Grassroots Elections, until Further Notice,” the statement released on Friday, May 1, 2026, read in part.
The elections had initially been set for April 23, 2026, before being moved to Saturday, May 2, 2026, to allow for logistical preparations.
This marks the second time the ruling party has pushed the exercise, underlining the challenges it faces in organising the county-level polls.
NEB chair Anthony Mwaura said earlier that the initial rescheduling was meant to streamline operations and ensure a credible process.
“This adjustment has been made to allow for the finalisation of essential logistical and administrative arrangements, thereby facilitating a well-coordinated electoral process,” Mwaura noted in the April 22, 2026, communication.
However, the latest notice suggests deeper complications, with the board now calling on members to remain patient.
“All Members, Leaders, Aspirants, and Stakeholders are requested to take note of this development and await further communication,” the notice added.
While the party has not officially disclosed the reasons behind the fresh postponement, local dynamics in Tana River may have played a role. The county has in recent weeks faced a worsening humanitarian situation, including food shortages and displacement, which could complicate election logistics and voter participation.
UDA’s grassroots elections are a critical component of its internal democratic processes, aimed at electing local officials and strengthening party structures ahead of future political contests.
Repeated delays, however, risk dampening enthusiasm among supporters and could trigger discontent among aspirants who have been preparing for the polls.
Despite the uncertainty, the party sought to reassure its members.
“The Party appreciates your understanding and continued cooperation.”
Attention will now shift to when the NEB will announce a new date and whether similar disruptions could affect planned exercises in other counties, including Turkana, which had also been part of the earlier rescheduling.