UDA Postpones Party Elections to April 2024

HomePOLITICSUDA Postpones Party Elections to April 2024

UDA Postpones Party Elections to April 2024

In light of a deliberation conducted by the National Steering Committee of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), President William Ruto has decided to suspend the grassroots elections for the UDA.

UDA Secretary-General Cleophas Malala issued the following statement: The party’s elections, which were originally scheduled for December 9, 2023, have been rescheduled for the following three dates in clusters: April 12, April 19, and April 26.

Malala affirmed that an elaborate timetable delineating the county clusters will be published subsequently.

“We encourage all aspirants to continue with their registration, which will remain open until 6:00 pm on March 22, 2024.”

The election postponement is the result of internal strife within the party, which has escalated into rivalries for authority among party officials.

Senator Boni Khalwale of Kakamega submitted a petition last month requesting that Malala be prohibited from supervising the elections. 

To manipulate the primaries, the Senator asserted that the Secretary-General intended to appoint his associates to supervise the elections. 

ALSO READ:

He further stated that Malala had exceeded her authority and the National Elections Board’s jurisdiction. 

Malala was additionally accused by Didmus Barasa, a member of parliament for Kimilili, of internal party disruption through her frustration with the affiliate parties.

In addition, reports surfaced that the ruling party was embroiled in a crisis, with insiders claiming that its members were divided into two factions. There were rumors that certain politicians supported President Ruto, whereas others favored his deputy Rigathi Gachagua. 

In the aftermath of the disputes, a subset of UDA officials verified that the party was eager to prevent a repercussions campaign similar to the one that occurred in Jubilee during the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

President William Ruto and UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala during the opening of UDA offices in Homa Bay County on October 7, 2023

UDA Postpones Party Elections to April 2024

MOST READ