The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party grassroots elections in parts of Nairobi turned tumultuous on Friday, as chaos erupted at several polling centers, leading to the cancellation of the exercise.
Tensions flared at the South B center as supporters of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, vying for the UDA Chairmanship, clashed with backers of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya during the grassroots elections.
A surge of young protesters breached the center, prompting the urgent evacuation of election officials to ensure their safety.
Sakaja’s supporters initiated a blame game by lodging complaints at the party’s headquarters amidst factional conflict.
UDA elections board has also been postponed constituency-level elections in West Pokot County.
National Elections Board (NEB) chairman Anthony Mwaura explained to Nation that the exercise was posted because of reports of possible violence.
“The elections, originally scheduled for this Saturday, have been rescheduled to the following week. Additionally, it has been decided that for security purposes, they will take place at the Sub-county commissioner headquarters,” stated Mwaura.
Mwaura alleged that Cleophas Malala attempted to seize authority from the board, referencing a ruling by the Political Parties and Disputes Tribunal that prevented Malala from participating in the party elections.
Despite this, Mwaura maintained that the elections would proceed as scheduled across Nairobi, West Pokot, Narok, Busia, and Homa Bay counties.
