In a dramatic turn of events within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), internal conflicts have surfaced following a controversial decision regarding the postponement of party primaries in West Pokot. The latest discord involves a direct contradiction between the party’s Secretary General, Cleaophas Malala, and election officials.
In a recent development, UDA’s Executive Director, Nicodemus Bore, made a public statement that countered an earlier announcement by Malala. Bore’s statement, disseminated through UDA’s official social media channels, urged party members to disregard Malala’s communication about the postponement of the primaries.The Secretary General had previously declared a postponement of the party primaries in West Pokot, citing unspecified logistical challenges. However, Bore’s rebuttal suggested that the election process would proceed as originally scheduled, indicating a significant rift within the party’s leadership.”Party members are advised to ignore any previous communications regarding the postponement of the West Pokot primaries,” Bore stated. “The elections will continue as planned, and all members should prepare accordingly.”This public disagreement has exposed underlying tensions and power struggles within the UDA, raising concerns about the party’s unity and coherence ahead of critical electoral milestones. Party insiders suggest that the disagreement may stem from deeper strategic differences and personal rivalries among the top brass.The reaction from party members and political analysts has been mixed. Some view this clash as a healthy sign of internal democracy and robust debate within the party, while others see it as a potential source of instability that could undermine UDA’s electoral prospects.Political commentator Jane Wambui noted, “Such public disagreements are not uncommon in political parties, especially those that are growing and evolving. However, it’s crucial for UDA’s leadership to resolve these issues swiftly to maintain the confidence of their supporters.”As the situation unfolds, party members in West Pokot are left in a state of uncertainty, unsure of which directive to follow. The lack of clarity may affect the turnout and the overall integrity of the primary elections.In response to the growing controversy, there have been calls from various quarters for an emergency meeting of the party’s top leadership to address the conflicting messages and chart a unified path forward. The outcome of such a meeting could be pivotal in determining the party’s stability and cohesion as it navigates the complex political landscape.For now, the focus remains on West Pokot, where the political future of many aspirants hangs in the balance. The UDA’s ability to manage this internal crisis effectively will be closely watched, not only by its members but also by the broader political community and the electorate at large.