The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections in Kisumu County commenced with remarkable voter turnout across numerous polling centers, reflecting an increase in political engagement in a region often viewed as politically uniform.
During an event at Nyalunya Primary School on April 23rd, George Ayogi, the acting chairperson of Kisumu County, expressed his contentment with the turnout, highlighting the significant participation of residents in the electoral process.
“This is my polling center, and we are deeply grateful for the substantial turnout, not just at Nyalunya Primary School but across all 761 polling centers in Kisumu County,” he remarked.
Ayogi noted that the electoral process has generally proceeded smoothly, with only a few isolated challenges reported at locations such as Masogo Primary School in Nyando and parts of Kisumu West. He assured that these issues were swiftly addressed through collaboration with government officials.
“We encountered a challenge at Masogo Primary School in Nyando, but after discussions with the County Commissioner and the Director of Education, we resolved it. Similar issues arose in Kisumu West, but they too have been addressed,” he explained.
He mentioned that the primary challenge involved delays in capturing some voters’ identification details using digital kits, causing temporary queues at certain polling stations.
“The issue lies in the improper capturing of some IDs in the kits. However, the party secretary is actively working on this. We have nearly 200 voters who have cast their ballots, while others await resolution,” Ayogi stated.
The elections are conducted digitally, with mobilization largely facilitated through online platforms, including WhatsApp groups that connect polling officials and party members throughout Kisumu and the broader Nyanza region.
Ayogi encouraged residents to participate actively, emphasizing the significance of grassroots involvement in determining leadership.
“I invite all residents of Kisumu County to visit their polling centers and exercise their right to elect leaders of their choice. This turnout clearly demonstrates that Kenyans reject the concept of zoning. They are here to assert their voices,” he urged.
At Victoria Primary School in Kisumu Central, Acting UDA Kisumu County Vice Chairperson Beatrice Amondi shared similar views, describing the electoral process as transparent and encouraging.
“We are here to vote, and the scene behind me illustrates the ongoing exercise. This confirms that UDA is a well-known entity, deeply rooted in the grassroots and local communities,” she stated.
Amondi, who is also a candidate for the women’s representative position in Kisumu and a voter at the polling station, expressed her satisfaction with the turnout and the conduct of the election.
“I am thrilled to see a significant number of voters exercising their democratic rights. This election is free, fair, and credible, and the process has been smooth thus far,” she affirmed.
She added that the elections signify a changing political landscape in the region, challenging the idea of uniform political allegiance.
“This clearly indicates that Nyanza is not politically monolithic. There is diversity everywhere, and everyone has the right to exercise their democratic rights,” Amondi noted.
Although some polling stations experienced minor logistical delays at the start, Amondi confirmed that the issues had been resolved.
“We began slightly late, by about an hour, due to some miscommunication, but that has been addressed. As you can see, the turnout is strong, and the exercise is continuing,” she said.
The ongoing grassroots elections are poised to play a vital role in shaping UDA’s local leadership structures, with party officials expressing optimism about the high levels of participation observed throughout the county.
