Supporters of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya took to the streets in protest on Saturday following the abrupt cancellation of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party’s Nairobi grassroots elections. The elections, which have now been postponed three times, were initially scheduled for June 22 at the Bomas of Kenya.
The latest postponement has caused significant unrest among the party’s delegates. In a show of dissatisfaction, Gakuya’s supporters stormed the UDA headquarters along Ngong Road, demanding explanations for the last-minute decision. The cancellation was officially announced by Anthony Mwaura, the chairperson of the party’s national elections board, who cited “unavoidable circumstances” as the reason for the delay.
James Gakuya, the incumbent MP for Embakasi North, is contending for the party post alongside Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The ongoing postponements have added to the tension surrounding the fiercely competitive election.
The elections, involving 340 delegates, are crucial for determining the leadership structure within the UDA at the county level. The repeated delays have raised concerns about the party’s internal processes and its ability to conduct fair and timely elections.
Supporters are demanding a clear timeline and assurance that the elections will be held without further interruptions. As the situation unfolds, the UDA leadership faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its members and ensure the integrity of the election process.
