UDA MPs are preparing for a showdown with their opponents as the party gears up to elect constituency-level officials next Friday. The party’s high-profile MPs are vying for positions at the constituency level to secure delegate tickets for the upcoming County-level elections next month.
The constituency elections carry significant weight as they serve as a prerequisite for politicians eyeing County positions. Winning at the constituency level will also grant them a spot in the National Delegates Congress (NDC), which plays a crucial role in selecting national officials.
Additionally, victory in the constituency elections enhances the prospects of politicians aspiring for governor positions, as it increases their chances of securing UDA tickets in the 2027 elections.
Anthony Mwaura, the chairperson of the UDA National Elections Board, emphasized the importance of the constituency elections, highlighting that winning at this level is essential for anyone aiming to contest County-level positions.
“As an MP, you have to win at the constituency level to qualify to run for any party position in the county. MPs who are seeking county branch chairmanships have no option but to win,” Mwaura said.
In Nairobi, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, vying for the Nairobi Chairmanship, must first secure victory at the Constituency level to challenge Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Gakuya reportedly enjoys the support of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Similarly, in Narok County, Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo is gearing up to contest Governor Patrick Ntutu for the county chairmanship, but he must first prevail in his constituency. Meanwhile, MPs Ken Aramat (Narok East) and Johanna Ng’eno (Emurr Dikkir) are in contention for the county secretary-general position, with their eligibility hinging on success in their respective constituencies.
Over in West Pokot, Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto faces competition from Jackson Rotino and Mzelondo Plimo for the UDA county secretary-general position, provided they all succeed in the Constituency polls. Governor Simon Kachapin will vie against Senator Julius Murgor for the county UDA chairmanship seat.
The UDA elections board has specified that only elected ward officials from the recent May 18 elections in the five counties, along with nominated and elected members of the National Assembly, are eligible to run. Prospective candidates for the constituency-level elections must submit their applications to the board by next Tuesday.
The constituency elections will involve 4,200 delegates from the five counties, with Nairobi having 1,700 delegates from 17 Constituencies. Homa Bay will have 800 delegates from eight constituencies, Busia 700 from seven constituencies, Narok 600 from six constituencies, and West Pokot 400 from four constituencies.
These elections will fill 20 positions at the constituency level, including chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary, deputy secretary, treasurer, organizing secretary, representatives of various groups, and seven members representing diverse interests.
The elected county officials and constituency-level officials will then form the county congress, which will elect 20 county officials among themselves. These county officials, along with the constituency-level officials, will constitute delegates to the UDA National Delegates Congress, where national officials will be elected.
