United Democratic Alliance (UDA), President William Ruto has ordered the suspension of grassroots elections in Narok and West Pokot counties and directed Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to mediate and resolve the ongoing issues within the UDA’s Nairobi wing.
The President issued this directive during a crisis meeting at State House on Saturday, June 8. The meeting was convened in response to escalating tensions and disputes that threatened the unity and organizational integrity of the party
In Nairobi, the UDA has been embroiled in a factional struggle, with two camps at loggerheads. One faction is allied with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, while the other is linked to Embakasi North MP James Gakuya. Both camps are vying for the UDA chairmanship in Nairobi County, leading to clashes and disruptions, including a violent confrontation during a recent election two weeks ago.
President Ruto has tasked Deputy President Gachagua with leading negotiations to reconcile the opposing factions and restore unity. “The DP will as a result lead in negotiations that are expected to lead to a political settlement. Nairobi’s polls can be held on the same day as the other two counties,” stated the President.
In addition to addressing the Nairobi impasse, President Ruto directed the National Elections Board (NEB) Chairman Anthony Mwaura to suspend grassroots elections in Narok and West Pokot counties. This decision comes in light of pending legal disputes filed in court. “Where the courts have issued orders stopping the election, we have to postpone. We must respect court orders,” emphasized President Ruto.
The State House meeting also resolved a contentious issue regarding the composition of the National Delegates Conference (NDC). The NEB has adopted a formula for the distribution of delegates based on the presidential vote each county delivered for the UDA candidate in the 2022 elections. Counties that garnered over 50 percent will produce 20 delegates each, while those below that threshold will share the remaining slots on a pro-rata basis.
Despite the suspensions and ongoing disputes, President Ruto gave the green light for UDA to proceed with grassroots elections in 13 other counties. This move is seen as part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen its grassroots presence and organizational structure ahead of future electoral contests.
The President’s directives underscore his commitment to maintaining order and unity within the UDA, ensuring that internal conflicts do not derail the party’s broader political agenda. As Deputy President Gachagua takes on the critical role of mediator in Nairobi, the party’s ability to resolve these disputes amicably will be crucial for its stability and effectiveness moving forward.
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