UDA primaries: Exercise to be repeated in Starehe, Kamukunji after disruption

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has confirmed that it will hold repeat nomination exercises in Starehe and Kamukunji constituencies after chaos disrupted the exercise today.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Hustler Centre on Thursday evening, UDA National Elections Board (NEB) Chairman Anthony Mwaura noted that they have launched a probe into the matter in both constituencies.

He assured that candidates found responsible for violence will be held accountable, cautioning that any aggrieved parties should raise their concerns with the party’s electoral nomination dispute resolution committee where they will be responded to in 12 hours.

“There were some disturbances here and there but they came about because we are the most popular party. We have had to postpone some…Nominations to be repeated in Starehe and Kamukunji constituencies due to violence that caused or disrupted the exercise,” he said.

“But let me tell you, all candidates…those that were involved in the destruction of ballot material… must take responsibility for their action. In areas or constituencies where nominations were disrupted we’ll repeat the nominations but those involved must pay the price.”

This comes as party leader Deputy President William Ruto lauded his team for today’s primaries terming the nominations process as largely successful.

“The UDA has demonstrated that it is a national party. I want to thank and congratulate the millions of hustlers including aspirants who came out in large numbers to participate in this nomination exercise,” he said.

He added: “You brought solutions even where there were challenges. We are encouraged by your resilience. To the hustlers, congratulations for choosing the leaders of your choice.”

The tallying is currently underway with results expected to start trickling in anytime soon.