The United Democratic Movement put its grassroots strength on full display in early February 2025, mobilising supporters across Mandera and the north-eastern frontier ahead of President William Ruto’s development tour of the region.

It marked one of the most spirited shows of political organisation in the north since the 2022 general election, with UDM demonstrating the depth of its support in the counties it calls home.

Party leaders used the moment to press the movement’s core demand: that the frontier — too long treated as the periphery — receives its fair share of roads, water, schools, hospitals and security.

In 2022 UDM swept four of Mandera’s six constituencies and delivered governors and senators from the region. That mandate, leaders said, is a responsibility to turn political capital into tarmac, boreholes and classrooms.

As the presidential convoy rolled north, UDM’s message was unmistakable: the frontier is organised, it is in government, and it intends to be heard.