Deputy President William Ruto was yesterday formally nominated as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) presidential candidate in the August 9 General Election.

Ruto, who is seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, was unveiled as the party’s leader and flagbearer during the National Delegates Conference (NDC) held at the Kasarani Sports Arena.

The media was locked out of the nearly two-hour closed door session where the delegates formally endorsed Ruto’s presidential bid before being allowed to cover the speeches.

The party’s officials explained that the media blackout was in line with the party constitution which requires that the endorsement of the presidential candidate be a matter strictly for the delegates.

Apart from the NDC, the party also held two key meetings, one of the National Governing Council and the other of the National Executive Committee to unveil  interim party officials and draft and approve the day’s agenda.

The event brought together over 5,000 delegates and was of significance to the DP as it marked the formal end of his tenure as the Jubilee Party deputy leader.

After accepting the endorsement, Ruto took an oath to represent the interests of the party. In his acceptance speech, Ruto asked  delegates to have faith in him and promised to deliver victory.

“I promise that I will give it my all and deliver you and Kenyans in general the desired expectations,” he said.

The DP also welcomed to the party the outgoing Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba and Ruiru MP Simon King’ara.

Party Secretary-General Veronica Maina took the delegates through the constitution and the manifesto.

The event also marked the formation of the Kenya Kwanza coalition bringing together UDA and six others whose leaders were in attendance.

They included Jimi Wanjigi’s Safina, William Kabogo of Jibebe Party, Moses Kuria of Chama cha Kazi and The Service Party led by former Cabinet secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri, which joined the Amani National Congress led by Musalia Mudavadi and Ford Kenya of Moses Wetang’ula.

Mudavadi, in his address, said Kenyans will oppose any attempt to impose on them a puppet president.

“It is unfortunate that our competitors are being controlled by other forces,” Musalia said in reference to the Azimio la Umoja candidate Raila Odinga.

Wetang’ula dismissed the so-called “system” as a myth that will not achieve anything.

“They say they are with the State but let me tell them today, we are with the people and when the people,” Wetang’ula added.

Wanjigi, who is the Safina party presidential candidate claimed he brought together Ruto and Uhuru only for the latter to disown and label him a cartel.