President William Ruto Drives Himself, Votes in UDA Grassroots Elections at Koilel Primary School

President William Ruto on Saturday personally drove himself to Koilel Primary School in Uasin Gishu County, where he cast his vote in the ongoing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections. The ruling party is conducting the first phase of its internal polls across about 20 counties to elect officials at polling‑centre level. 

In a departure from the usual high‑profile presidential motorcade, the Head of State was reportedly behind the wheel of his own vehicle as he arrived at the polling station and joined other party members in queuing to vote — an action that underscored his message of grassroots participation and democratic engagement. The act of the president driving himself, captured in a video circulating online, comes amid other recent instances where he has taken the wheel publicly, including driving on the Nairobi‑Nakuru Highway before commenting on national transport challenges. 

At the Koilel polling centre, President Ruto waited patiently in line and cast his ballot like ordinary party supporters, reinforcing the UDA leadership’s emphasis on internal democracy and accountability. 

After voting, the President praised the large turnout of candidates and voters, saying their active participation strengthens the party’s structures and advances its Bottom‑Up Economic Transformation Agenda — his flagship policy framework. 

“The commitment shown by party members in participating at the grassroots level demonstrates the vibrancy of our democratic processes within UDA,” Ruto said in brief remarks after casting his vote. 

Observers noted that the president’s decision to drive himself, rather than arrive in a traditional motorcade, was also symbolic — resonating with his populist political style and attempts to connect with ordinary citizens. While mainstream news reports confirmed his participation in the UDA polls and his direct involvement in voting, specific details about the exact vehicle model and cost (such as claims of a Sh30 million 2025 model Ineos Grenadier) have not been independently verified by major media outlets. 

The grassroots elections are seen as a crucial step for the party to build momentum and organisational strength ahead of the 2027 General Election, with President Ruto’s active involvement in the process drawing significant public and media attention.