The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) commenced its grassroots elections on Friday, April 26. However, the initial round encountered significant challenges, prompting calls for a redo.
The grassroots elections, estimated to cost Ksh200 million, faced technological glitches resulting in some leaders being unable to cast their votes. Furthermore, allegations surfaced of deceased individuals being on ballots and winning elections.
"How can one win an election after being deceased for a year?" questioned Catherine Wachira, expressing concern over the integrity of the process.
Aspirants from Embakasi South Constituency raised concerns over a purported scheme to manipulate the elections, calling for a fresh round of voting. They allege the installation of leaders without genuine participation.
Catherine Wanjiru Mwangi, echoing the sentiments, revealed her absence from the party roster but was later informed of her victory, raising doubts about the fairness of the process.
"We demand answers because despite attempting to vote, the system failed to recognize my biometrics. Yet, I was declared a winner later. How is this possible?" queried Wanjiru.
The aggrieved contestants issued a one-week ultimatum to the party's National Elections Board (NEB) for a rerun in the affected area. Failure to address their grievances could result in defections from the party.
"We give them seven days to prepare for fresh elections. All candidates submitted their details at the party headquarters. We demand a reconfirmation of every aspirant's information," declared Samwel Masaba.
Notable leaders like Nairobi Governor Johnstone Sakaja and Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie faced difficulties with the election gadgets, preventing their participation in the electronic voting.
Sakaja described the exercise as a "logistical nightmare," acknowledging the challenges faced by the party in comparison to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
UDA's National Elections Board chairperson, Antony Mwaura, attributed Sakaja's predicament to registration with a passport instead of a national identity card, stating the issue had been rectified.
In response, the UDA party announced measures like extending voting hours and establishing a call centre to handle complaints.
“We must take the interests of our members at heart. We must solve all the problems and we have started a call centre at the headquarters,” UDA Elections Board Chairman Antony Mwaura stated.
The party procured 10,000 gadgets for the elections, each costing approximately Ksh10,000 each. Apart from technological issues, rain, violence, and low turnout marred the process across several counties.
Following the polls, elected officials will proceed to participate in subsequent congresses, culminating in the election of county chairpersons.
The second phase of grassroots polls is scheduled for June 22 in 13 counties, followed by the third phase on August 10 across 15 counties, and the final phase on August 24 in 12 counties.
UDA's grassroots elections span five counties: Nairobi, Busia, Narok, West Pokot, and Homa Bay, with substantial membership in each.
