A section of Mt Kenya United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants caucus has walked out of the party in protests over a recent endorsement made by Deputy President William Ruto made.
Led by Kahio Ngomo, Chairman of Mt Kenya UDA aspirants, on Friday, September 10, accused the party of making undemocratic endorsements derailing their attempts to have fair nominations.
They called out the party for lacking democracy and national unity outlook and criticised the move to handpick leaders instead of leaving the aspirants to go for a free and fair nomination.
The irate aspirants, whilst banging tables at a press conference, vowed to support President Uhuru Kenyatta's agenda until 2022 over dissatisfaction with UDA.
Perhaps to emphasize their decision to decamp from the party and for special effect, they all removed UDA branded merchandise including T-shirts and caps then walked out in protest.
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They termed the move by the second in command to endorse some individuals as unacceptable and undemocratic.
"The UDA Party leader Deputy President has always pronounced himself that the party is for the hustlers and it will be built by the hustlers and we have always believed so, therefore we are surely shocked and dismayed and disturbed to see the party leader pronounce himself on some of the candidates he will support in the Murang'a county Monday this week."
"We find this unacceptable, undemocratic subverting the will of UDA supporters. We are equally concerned that such a move is only perpetrated in Mt Kenya region," the group chairman noted.
Defending their decision to walk out of UDA, the aspirants stated that they had attended all-party sensitisation exercises and were sure that they would be subjected to a fair nomination exercise.
"UDA made a national call to various persons interested in vying for various positions under the party early this year and we, therefore, submitted our desire to contest as UDA aspirants," they claimed.
They added,"The UDA secretary-general held meetings with various aspirants and held various sensitisation forums between June and August 2021 and we attended."
Ruto while meeting Murang'a leader praised Senator Kanga'ta a move that was interpreted as his endorsement for the outspoken lawmaker.
Kang'ata through his social media page on Wednesday, September 7, confirmed the endorsement and promised to revive the county's agricultural sector.
"Thanks to HE Dr William Ruto for finding faith in my capabilities as a Muranga gubernatorial candidate under UDA. Pledge to serve the people with all dedication if I bring this seat home with UDA ticket, particularly on matters health and Minimum Guaranteed Return for agriculture," Kang'ata wrote.
With the latest development, UDA is yet to respond in regard to its way forward in matters to do with nominations.
