A wave of frustration hit the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) headquarters at Hustler Centre on Friday as delegates allied to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stormed the premises, protesting the repeated postponements of the much-anticipated chairmanship vote.
The aggrieved delegates, ardent supporters of Governor Sakaja, expressed their growing impatience with the delays, which they claim are undermining the party’s democratic processes. “We have been patient, but our patience has limits. This continuous postponement is a clear sign of disrespect to the members and the democratic values we stand for,” one delegate remarked passionately.
The protest, which began in the early hours of the morning, saw dozens of delegates converging at Hustler Centre, waving placards and chanting slogans demanding immediate action. They called for transparency and accountability from the party leadership, emphasizing the importance of adhering to scheduled electoral timelines.
Governor Sakaja, who has been a prominent figure within the UDA, addressed the media briefly outside the headquarters. “The delegates’ frustration is understandable. We have a responsibility to uphold the principles of democracy within our party. Continuous delays not only hinder our progress but also erode the trust of our members,” Sakaja stated.
The UDA’s chairmanship vote has faced several postponements over the past few months, with reasons ranging from logistical issues to internal disputes. This has caused significant unrest among the party’s members, many of whom view the delays as a strategic move to manipulate the election outcome.
Party officials, however, defended the postponements, citing the need to ensure a free and fair election process. “We are committed to conducting a transparent election. The delays are necessary to address all concerns and ensure that every vote counts,” said a senior UDA official in response to the protest.
Despite these assurances, the delegates remained skeptical, urging the party leadership to set a definitive date for the vote and adhere to it. “We need a clear timeline. Ambiguity only breeds mistrust,” a delegate insisted.
The standoff at Hustler Centre highlights the growing tensions within the UDA as the party navigates its internal politics. The outcome of the chairmanship vote is seen as pivotal, potentially shaping the party’s direction in the lead-up to the next general election.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the UDA leadership to see how they address the grievances of their members and restore faith in the party’s democratic process. The delegates have made their stance clear: they demand action, and they demand it now.
