UDA Under Fire After Sending Chopper for Grassroot Elections

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has found itself on the receiving end of stern criticism from Kenyans after deploying a chopper to distribute Poll material.

According to a video posted by the alliance, the materials were being distributed to various polling centers in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County.

However, the move has sparked reactions from Kenyans who indicated that the party, led by President William Ruto, has failed to prioritize the needs of Kenyans especially at a time when tens of thousands of Kenyans are grappling with a flood crisis.

Meanwhile, many of the voters complained that the equipment used for voting during the elections did not recognize their credentials and were therefore not able to vote.

“Poll materials have been distributed to various polling centers in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County,” the caption of the post read in part.

Also Read: ODM Postpones Elections; Here is Why

Backlash From Kenyans Over Post

Kenyans on X responded to the post, pointing out that there were flood victims in various communities in the country who could not access essential services, yet the party had deployed choppers for grassroot elections. 

Additionally, Kenyans noted that some of these voters were victims of floods and had to endure very difficult situations, yet the party was rallying them to vote. 

Also, the aggravated Kenyans highlighted that the leader of the alliance was the head of state, who ought to prioritize the needs of the people.  

“Prioritizing poll materials over essential supplies and evacuating flood victims is being tone-deaf. People are stranded and in urgent need of help across our country,” Mwango Capitol stated.

“Why can’t UDA/Government deploy such choppers to rescue helpless people marooned by floods? Surely, can’t this be suspended? How many choppers/boats have been allocated to the evacuating teams?”  CPA Ng’ang’a Wa Mwangi added. 

“This is even insensitive the ruling party having to post a chopper supplying poll materials when flood victims across the country desperately need evacuation. But we aren’t even surprised at all,” Vic Opiyo opined.

Earlier, the Orange democratic movement party (ODM) postponed its grassroots elections after receiving reports of flooding in counties with a large representation of its members.

Also Read: UDA Extends Deadline Registration in 5 Counties Ahead of Elections

UDA Explains Faulty Voting Machines 

While addressing the press, UDA’s National Elections Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura explained that some voters including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja could not vote because of technical glitches. 

According to him, Sakaja registered as a member of the party using his Passport, therefore the system failed to recognize the details on his ID card. However, he indicated that the problem had been solved. 

“There was a problem with the governor because he had registered using his passport, but we have rectified that problem and everything is now flowing in that polling station,” Mwaura said.

Also, Mwaura said that the party had set up a call center at the Hustler Centre, where all arising issues were addressed. 

“We are excited by the technology we have adopted everything is going on as scheduled and we are happy as a party. We have agreed with our party leader and deputy party leader that we must solve all problems and that is what we are doing.”

“The party has started a call centre here so that we can attend to all problems,” Mwaura added.