The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) conducted interviews on Saturday, March 12, to select the suitable nominee to become its presidential flag bearer.
The party received three nominations beside that of Deputy President William Ruto.
However, one name stood out. That was the name of 23-year-old Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) student, Tracy Wanjiru.
The Applied Bio-Engineering student had sought to challenge the Deputy President for the party's presidential ticket.
Wanjiru admitted that it came as a shocker to her when she received a letter of invitation to attend the interviews. The letter was signed by the party's boss, Veronica Maina.
“We write to invite you for verification of your documents and interview to determine your eligibility as a presidential candidate,” the letter read in part.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) further waived the Ksh1 million nomination fees she was supposed to pay owing to the fact that she was a youthful contender and also fell under the Persons Living With Disability (PLWDs) category.
Wanjiru narrated that she took the bold step to challenge the DP for the top ticket after realising that women give the presidential position a wide berth.
She noted that her dream is to ensure that the one third, two third gender rule is realised and her election to the country's top office would give hope to many more women.
The 23-year-old further noted that her aim is to promote Pan Africanism and politics of transformation and development.
“I look forward to championing the party’s ideals by effectively rallying the youth, women and persons living with disabilities,” she wrote in her application to UDA’s National Election Board.
Moments after the interviews, UDA Election Board Chairman, Kipruto Arap Kirwa, announced that the party had settled on DP Ruto as the flag bearer.
Ruto will be presented to the National Delegates Conference (NDC) on Tuesday, March 15 for endorsement.
He will then face off with Azimio La Umoja's presidential aspirant in the August 8 polls.
