Ruto Moves to Strengthen UDA Party to Survive Beyond One Term

By James Murimi - Reporter

Kenya, 17 January 2026 - President William Ruto on Saturday declared that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is being transformed into a formidable national political machine designed to drive Kenya’s development agenda for years to come.

The President said the party is being structured as a mass movement that will unite Kenyans across political, ethnic and regional divides in pursuit of long-term economic transformation.

“Our mission is to build UDA into a truly national political party that champions Kenya’s transformation agenda in partnership with progressive political movements across the country,” President Ruto, who is also UDA party leader, said.

He spoke at Sagana State Lodge in Mathira Constituency, Nyeri County, where he hosted more than 17,000 newly elected UDA grassroots leaders drawn from polling centres across the county.

The Head of State emphasised that strong political organisation is key to sustaining development programmes beyond one electoral term.

“Through visionary leadership, political collaboration and unity of purpose, we are establishing a strong political unit to carry the national agenda beyond a single election cycle and to provide continuity in our development journey,” he said.

President Ruto defended his administration’s performance, saying the government has remained focused on implementing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) as promised during the 2022 campaigns.

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“In the last three years, we have remained faithful to our party manifesto and we are proud of our track record,” he noted.

He highlighted major areas of focus, including infrastructure expansion, investment in healthcare and education, agricultural revitalisation, industrialisation and the creation of jobs for the youth.

“We are firmly committed to transforming Kenya into a first-world economy through strategic investments that empower our people and create opportunities for all,” he added.

The President told the newly elected grassroots officials that they carry the responsibility of strengthening the party at the community level and mobilising wananchi around the national development agenda.

He said the Sagana meeting marked a major step in reorganizing UDA structures to ensure the party remains vibrant, united and ready to deliver decisive victories in future elections.

President Ruto urged the officials to work as a team and focus on service to the people, saying a strong and united party is essential for Kenya’s political stability and economic progress.