The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has formally endorsed President William Ruto’s bid for a second term in the 2027 General Election, while announcing plans to expand its presence across all 47 counties.
In resolutions adopted during a joint meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee and National Governing Council in Machakos, UDM pledged to mobilise support for Ruto’s re-election, citing continuity, stability and sustained development.
The resolutions were read by party leader and Mandera Senator Ali Roba, who said the party would strengthen its grassroots structures as it seeks to increase its national political presence.
UDM also announced a nationwide membership recruitment drive targeting young people, women and marginalised communities, alongside efforts to establish party structures in every county.
The party further resolved to field candidates for key elective positions in the 2027 elections, including governor, senator, Member of Parliament, woman representative and Member of County Assembly seats.
The move signals UDM’s intention to broaden its political reach beyond its traditional strongholds and establish itself as a nationally competitive political outfit.
At the same time, the party reaffirmed its commitment to the broad-based political arrangement while maintaining its independent identity, as political parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Roba has a long political career, having served as the first Governor of Mandera County from 2013 to 2022 after winning the seat on a United Republican Party (URP) ticket in the 2013 General Election.
He secured a second term in 2017 under the Jubilee coalition before completing his constitutionally permitted two terms.
In the 2022 General Election, Roba transitioned to national politics after winning the Mandera Senate seat.
He subsequently assumed leadership of UDM, which has maintained a strong political base in northern Kenya while seeking to extend its influence to other parts of the country.
Under his leadership, UDM aligned itself with President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance after the 2022 elections, having previously been associated with the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
The party formally exited Azimio in 2025 and reaffirmed its commitment to the Kenya Kwanza political arrangement.
