President William Ruto has for the first time commented on the ongoing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party grassroot elections.

On Saturday, June 8, Ruto chaired UDA Party National Executive Committee (NEC) at State House where a raft of decisions was made on the ongoing party elections.

During the meeting, the National Election Board (NEB) gave their brief on the ongoing polls and President Ruto gave his nod on the poll’s transparency.

The President asked the NEB Chairman Eng. Anthony Mwaura to proceed with County level elections in the counties of Homabay and Busia, whose constituency polls were not challenged.

Gachagua to Lead Nairobi Negotiations

On Nairobi where two camps are at loggerheads on the process of elections, Ruto directed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to lead in negotiations that will lead to a political settlement.

“Nairobi’s polls can be held on the same day as the other two counties,” he said.

However, he directed that the elections in Narok and West Pokot, which have been contested in court be suspended pending the outcome of the disputes.

“Where the courts have issued orders stopping the election, we have to postpone. We must respect court orders,” Ruto said.

Additionally, Ruto settled the contentious issue of composition of the National Delegates Conference.

The NEC adopted the formula on sharing of delegates on county basis depending on the presidential vote that each county returned to the UDA presidential candidate in 2022 elections.

This process will see counties that garnered over 50 percent produce 20 delegates each to the NDC, with others below that mark sharing other slots on pro-rata basis.

Further, the President gave NEB the go-ahead to proceed with phase two elections in 13 counties.

Disrespecting the Party

In another statement, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said the Committee issued appropriate directions to ensure the satisfaction of all contestants and proper remedial measures of any disputes arising from the elections.

The Committee emphasized that the elections shall continue as scheduled and the process shall be carried out through the UDA electronic voting system.

“The committee acknowledged the party’s capacity to handle internal disputes among members. It urged the activation of the Internal Disputes Resolution Committee to ensure disputes among members are resolved amicably,” read the statement.

NEC encouraged party members with election disputes to utilize all internal dispute resolution mechanisms before exploring other options.

Malala further reiterated the importance of respecting the party organs and officials.

“NEC emphasized that discipline is the engine that oils the party. This follows recent occurrences where party members violated election rules and regulations and instances where party members contradicted and or disrespected senior party officials on party positions,” read the statement.

The NEC urged the Internal Disciplinary Committee to activate itself and address these issues promptly

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UDA Cancels Nairobi Elections

Besides, the meeting came after UDA elections board announced the cancellation of Nairobi grassroot elections.

“The NEB of UDA hereby issues an official notice regarding the suspension of the County- Level grassroot election for Nairobi County, which was initially scheduled for 10th June 2024,” read the notice in part.

The Board explained that the suspension is pursuant to an order issued on 6th June 2024, by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, halting the election for Nairobi County.

“The Board will provide further communication regarding the rescheduled date and any additional instructions in due course. We regret any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter,” added the notice.

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Phase II Elections Dates

UDA also issued an amended notice of Phase II polling center-level grassroot elections scheduled for 28th and 29th June 2024.

“All aspirants must complete their registration by 17th June 2024 at 12:00 Midnight,” directed NEB.

On June 28, the elections will be held in Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Taita Taveta and Kitui.

The ruling party will hold its elections Kwale, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Tharaka Nithi, Nyandarua, Garissa, Wajir and Siaya on June 29.

“All candidates are required to verify and confirm their details by 21st June 2024 at 4:00pm. No further verification will be permitted after this deadline,” added the Board.

UDA directed all participants to adhere strictly to the mentioned timelines to ensure a smooth and efficient election process.

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