President William Ruto has once again demonstrated his mastery in political strategy, turning what was once considered hostile territory into a stronghold for his party.
Just months ago, the President faced resistance in Nyeri and other parts of Central Kenya, areas where many had decamped to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Saturday’s event at Sagana State Lodge, Nyeri, marked a remarkable political milestone, as he hosted over 17,000 grassroots UDA leaders, signalling a dramatic turnaround in public sentiment.
The gathering brought together officials elected as polling centre representatives across all six constituencies of Nyeri County.
Each constituency was strongly represented, with Mukurweni sending 1,496 officials, Mathira 2,293, Nyeri Town 1,498, Kieni 3,333, Othaya 3,133, and Tetu 2,692 officials, reflecting the party’s commitment to broad-based and inclusive engagement at the grassroots level.
In his address, President Ruto praised the officials for strengthening internal party democracy and reaffirmed the United Democratic Alliance’s (UDA) grassroots-first political philosophy.
“In the last three years, we have remained faithful to our party manifesto, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and we are proud of our track record. We remain committed to transforming Kenya into a first-world economy through strategic investment in infrastructure, development of human capital, quality healthcare, agricultural production, industrialisation, and job creation for our youth,” he said.
The President emphasised the importance of unity, political collaboration, and long-term vision, framing UDA as a national movement rather than a party confined to a single election cycle.
“We are building the United Democratic Alliance into a truly mass national political party, one that champions Kenya’s transformation agenda in partnership with like-minded movements across the country,” he added.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, fully clad in UDA regalia, pledged his allegiance, declaring, “Mimi chama changu ni UDA na Rais wangu ni William Ruto,” loosely translated as, “My party is UDA, and my President is William Ruto,” signalling a consolidation of support for the President within the county.
This event illustrates Ruto’s political finesse: what was once perceived as an opposition stronghold territory is now warming up to his leadership, reflecting a broader strategy that blends grassroots engagement, manifesto-driven development promises, and visible political unity.
Analysts say this is a clear masterstroke, setting the stage for further consolidation as the election approaches.
