It has now emerged that a division is brewing within the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
On Thursday, October 19, local dailies reported that two rival camps coalescing around President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua have started to form.
Ruto is the UDA party leader while Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is the deputy party leader.
For instance, the Daily Nation reported that those coalescing around DP Rigathi Gachagua are pushing to have the grassroots elections scheduled for December 9 postponed.
However, another group believed to be siding with the party leader William Ruto maintains that the grass root election scheduled for December 9, proceed as planned.
Gachagua on Wednesday, October 18, chaired the UDA National Steering and Management Committee to discuss the level of preparedness as well as the proposal to have the elections deferred.
Another meeting to be chaired by President William Ruto is expected to be held early next month to make a final decision on whether to proceed with the planned party elections or postpone it to 2024.
Further, one faction is fronting Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who is a close ally of President Ruto to be the UDA Secretary General while another camp is fronting former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala.
However, addressing the press after yesterday’s meeting, acting party Secretary General Cleophas Malala insisted that the grassroots elections scheduled for December 9, will go on as planned.
“As it stands right now, the elections will be held on December 9,” Malala said.
On his part, DP Gachagua said UDA is committed to building a powerful party that will be deeply rooted in democracy.
“We are building a formidable party founded on democracy for development,” said Gachagua adding that the constant meetings with UDA party officials will render a common understanding and approach to the implementation of various party activities and programs.
