Aspirants seeking seats in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have been warned about their conduct ahead of the party nominations and subsequent elections.
The party's disciplinary committee, led by chairperson Charles Njenga, reminded candidates to strictly adhere to the UDA constitution and code of conduct.
With the party nominations to determine the UDA's official candidates for the upcoming by-elections due to take place on September 20, the disciplinary committee has urged candidates to uphold the highest standards of discipline at a time when political tensions tend to run high.
In particular, the committee has prohibited acts of mayhem, hooliganism and the destruction of election materials or damage to property during the nomination process.
"We urge the members to conduct themselves with utmost decorum and avoid acts of mayhem, hooliganism, and destruction of election materials or any property during the nominations and the subsequent elections," a statement from UDA said.
Since the party's constitution provides guidelines for conduct during internal elections, individuals in violation of the rules can potentially attract disciplinary action like disqualification from party nominations, suspension and, in extreme cases, expulsion from the party altogether.
On the issue of grievances, UDA urged members with complaints relating to the nomination process to follow official procedures for redress. Complaints should be submitted to the Party's Headquarters at Hustler Plaza along Ngong Road in writing. Alternatively, the grievances can also be shared via email.
Part of the reason UDA is intent on ensuring their nominations go without hitches is because it is the ruling party, and any chaos during the nomination process could effectively hurt the party's chances of securing victories in various elective seats during the by-elections.
While announcing the nomination dates on August 14, UDA urged interested candidates to register on the party's portal, which will be open from August 14 to September 5.
Nomination fees for those vying for the Member of County Assembly (MCA) positions are Ksh50,000 for male aspirants and Ksh25,000 for female, youth or people living with disabilities (PWDs) aspirants.
Male MP aspirants will need to cough up Ksh250,000 for nominations, while their female counterparts, youths and PWDs will pay Ksh125,000.
Finally, for nominations in the Baringo senatorial seat, aspirants will also mirror the amounts of the MP candidates. The payments are non-refundable and will be paid to the party through mobile money and a set bank account.
