The 2027 General Election will not only be decided by national rallies and high-profile political declarations. Increasingly, the real political battle is likely to take place at the grassroots, where parties build networks, recruit supporters and establish relationships with voters.
UDA’s recent engagement with Dr. Naomi Kendagor offers an example of this strategy.
Kendagor, described by the party as a philanthropist and community mobiliser, paid a courtesy call on UDA Executive Director Nicodemus Bore at Hustler Plaza. According to UDA, she has been leading grassroots mobilisation in West Pokot, encouraging residents to join the party and support President William Ruto’s re-election.
From a political strategy perspective, such mobilisation can be significant.
West Pokot is not simply a voting bloc to be approached during the final months of an election campaign. Political parties that establish strong grassroots structures early have more time to understand local concerns, identify community leaders and build relationships with voters.
UDA’s decision to publicly commend Kendagor’s efforts therefore sends a message that the party is paying attention to grassroots mobilisation as it prepares for 2027.
Her reported interest in the West Pokot Woman Representative seat also adds another dimension. If she eventually receives the party’s nomination, her existing grassroots network could become an important political asset for UDA.
However, political mobilisation does not automatically translate into votes.
Residents ultimately judge leaders and parties on issues that affect their daily lives. Development, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and the cost of living are likely to matter far more to voters than party slogans alone.
UDA will therefore need to convert its growing grassroots presence into meaningful engagement with communities.
The party’s assurance that it will conduct free, fair, credible and transparent nominations will also be important. Internal nominations can either strengthen a party or create divisions, depending on how they are handled.
For Dr Kendagor, the political journey will similarly require more than mobilising people to join UDA. If she seeks elective office, voters in West Pokot will want to know what she intends to offer and how she plans to represent their interests.
The broader lesson is that Kenya’s 2027 political contest is already taking shape at the local level.
UDA may have the advantage of being the governing party, but maintaining that advantage requires continuous engagement with voters rather than waiting for election year.
Grassroots politics is ultimately about people. Parties can have impressive membership figures and national structures, but elections are won when voters feel connected to a political message and believe their interests are being represented.
UDA’s engagement with leaders such as Dr Kendagor suggests that the party understands this reality.
The question now is whether that mobilisation can translate into sustained public support in West Pokot and, ultimately, help strengthen President Ruto’s re-election campaign in 2027.