Contestants Read Malice in December UDA Primaries

Nakuru,

Thursday, November 16, 2023

KNA by Anne Sabuni

Contestants of various seats in the United Democratic Alliance primaries slated for December in Nakuru County are worried that the elections may not be free and fair.

While reading malice in the contestation of elected and nominated members to the County Assembly in the Party’s contestants list, saying the leaders had a competitive advantage.

“We have been fighting for this party since its inception, yet we have not been considered for any appointments. The grass-roots elections are our only chance to rise, yet the party’s guidelines have allowed for elected MCAs to also join in. This is unfair, at least they have jobs,” noted Daniel Ole Naiseku, who is vying for the Chairman's seat in the County.

They called on the Party Secretary General Cleophas Malalah to intervene, saying even the South Rift Regional Chairman Benard Ngaruma, who is to oversee the elections had also cast his net for the chairman’s position.

“We are worried that our leader here is doubling up as a referee and player at the same time,” added Naiseku.

The Party held its members’ education day in Nakuru’s Party Headquarters, ahead of the primaries on December 9, 2023. Florence Chepkorir, a member from Nakuru West, regretted that the party was being hijacked by individuals at the expense of those who fought for its establishment. “We want those who labored for the establishment of the party to be given positions to lead the party as they have the party agenda at heart.” Rongai ward Youth Contestant, Benard Koros regretted that the involvement of elected MCAs had limited the chances for the youths, calling on the party to revise its guidelines to accommodate those who had no financial muscle. “We are asking the party leader, President William Ruto, to help us with the grass-root election campaigns. Most of the contestants here are beginners and we cannot afford to mobilize the county given that we have already spent on member registration,” added Koros. Contestant for the Secretary-General office, Dennis Chege, lauded the party’s secretariat for allowing the members to learn more about the party and understand the guidelines surrounding the grassroots elections. “Join the party by dialing *509# and your registration will first go to the Registrar of Parties before you are entered in the UDA register. UDA has good representation at the Senate and Parliament but that is not enough as we need members as we prepare for other political activities in the year and come 2027,” noted Dennis. While drumming support for himself, South Rift Party Chairman Benard Ngarua, assured the members that the elections would be free and fair, considering that voting was going to be online. Courtesy; KNA