UDA plans to use its April 12 grassroots elections to strengthen its presence in the Coast region. Members, particularly candidates, have been tasked with recruiting 200,000 new members in Mombasa and Kilifi and 100,000 in the other four coastal counties.
This recruitment drive, alongside cooperation with ODM, is expected to boost President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid. Ruto, who has been in the region launching projects and signing development deals, emphasized his commitment to accelerating Coast’s development.
UDA has prioritized the region, recently appointing Lamu Governor Issa Timamy as deputy party leader. Secretary General Hassan Omar reiterated the party’s goal of ending marginalization in the area.