Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria has called on United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants and grassroots officials to boldly promote the ruling party throughout the nation.
Gikaria stated that members should not be discouraged from openly identifying with the party.
Speaking to a gathering of recently elected party officials and aspirants, Gikaria emphasized that UDA members should proudly display party-branded clothing and actively promote the party’s message nationwide despite increasing political competition and alleged intimidation from rivals.
“You have been selected from many candidates who came forward. You are our foundation,” Gikaria addressed the assembly.
The legislator congratulated the officials on their selection and commended the party for its diversity, noting that the leadership represented Kenya’s ethnic and regional variety.
“I am pleased that all tribes have representation in the party. We brought you here because UDA needs to rejuvenate. We must not be afraid in our party,” he stated.
Gikaria observed that many political parties often neglect grassroots supporters once elections conclude, but maintained that UDA was committed to engaging its members in party activities even after electoral periods.
The MP characterized UDA as a truly national political organization with representation in every region, crediting this to President William Ruto’s vision of establishing an inclusive party.
“UDA is a national party, which is why Ruto emphasized the need for a party that includes everyone. It is only in UDA where we have elected representatives in all areas of the country,” he said.
Gikaria also described an incident in Nairobi that he claimed highlighted the difficulties encountered by some UDA supporters.
He alleged that while distributing party T-shirts and caps, a group of youths requested some items before another group allegedly threatened them due to their affiliation with UDA.
“The T-shirts and caps we are wearing, when I collected them in Nairobi, some youth asked for them. Then a group appeared wanting to destroy our vehicle because we support UDA,” he claimed.
Despite the reported hostility, the MP urged supporters not to be intimidated.
“I want to encourage you that you should not hesitate when promoting our party. We should present our party to voters enthusiastically, without reservation, and not fear anything. There are people intimidating and threatening us, but they will not prevail,” he said.
Gikaria further appealed to security agencies to protect supporters of all political parties, stating that no Kenyan should face harassment for expressing their political views.
“We want to ask the police to protect our supporters. Our women should not be harassed for wearing UDA attire. Why can’t those opposed to UDA also wear their party colors? Let us travel to every region of this country proudly displaying our party colors,” he said.