LIVE BLOG: UDA Officially Endorses William Ruto as Presidential Flag Bearer

UDA National Delegates Convention at Kasarani on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
UDA National Delegates Convention at Kasarani on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
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UDA’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) is being held at the Kasarani gymnasium where Deputy President William Ruto will officially be unveiled as the party's presidential flag bearer.

Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki stated that the UDA party will be unveiling its presidential candidate on Tuesday, March 15.

UDA Party is expected to hold around 5,000 delegates from across the country who will endorse the DP as the party’s presidential flag bearer.

“We will have delegates from every ward and every constituency in this country. It will not be a political rally but a party decision-making meeting,” Kindiki stated.

Kenya Kwanza coalition Principals Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula are also expected at the event in Kasarani. Chama Cha Kazi party leader Moses Kuria, who has been in talks to join Kenya Kwanza Alliance, is also expected at the NDC.

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5:25 PM: Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria claims to have stolen votes on behalf of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2017 elections.

"This team that is here made Uhuru the President. It is us who looked for the votes and it is us who stole them on his behalf. The brains behind Uhuru's presidency are all here, it is only the body which is in Azimio," Kuria states.

4:57 PM: DP William Ruto asks UDA delegates, not to sings songs that are anti-President Uhuru Kenyatta as they had earlier done.

4:16 pm: Deputy President William Ruto has promised a handsome reward to Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi.

"I want, with a lot of gratitude, to thank you (Musalia Mudavadi) for making it possible for all Kenyans to work together. It is your decision and that of Moses Wetangula that has given rise to this new paradigm. We will pay you in equal measure one day," Ruto remarks.

2:45 PM: The DP states that the boda boda riders are under attack following a recent crackdown by the government. He claims that they are "victims of a weaponised fight against people who don't share in the belief of those who hold power today".

2:38 PM: The Deputy President states that if elected he will free Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from state capture as he accuses his competitors of weaponizing state agencies such as the DCI, EACC and KRA to run political errands.

2:36 PM: DP William Ruto states that in his first week in office he will appoint an accounting officer for the DCI, for them to be financially independent.

"In our second term, we experienced weaponization of public offices to intimidate, harass and persecute Kenyans perceived not to worship those in power." `DP Ruto states.

"We want s judiciary that is truly independent and doesn't receive calls from State House on how to write judgements," he adds.

2:34 PM: DP William Ruto's speech at UDA NDC at Kasarani momentarily disrupted as crowd chants 'Yote yawezekana bila Uhuru (Everything is possible without Uhuru).'

2:18 PM: DP William Ruto acknowledges that President Uhuru Kenyatta informed him he needed to work on his legacy during his second term and not focus on politics.

1:35 PM: DP William Ruto takes oath after he is endorsed as the UDA presidential flag bearer.

1:17 PM: The UDA National Delegates Convention has endorsed William Ruto as the party's presidential flag bearer.

1:05 PM: UDA delegates burst out singing songs against President Uhuru Kenyatta.

12:39 PM: UDA delegates protest after MC Chipukeezy asked DJ to play Reggae songs. The MC of the day, Chipukeezy was booed by the delegates after asking the DJ to play the popular reggae jam Iron, Lion, Zion by Jamaican legend, Bob Marley.

12:09 PM: Chama Cha Kazi Party leader Moses Kuria arrives at the NDC. 

12:08 PM: Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi arrives at the UDA NDC. He denies any coalition agreement with Kenya Kwanza and maintains that they are only at the UDA NDC as invited guests.

12:07 PM: UDA delegates unanimously endorse Deputy President William Ruto as the party’s presidential candidate in the August 9 General Election.

11:50 AM: The Service Party of Kenya (TSP) party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri arrives at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani for the UDA NDC.

11:22 AM: UDA MC Jasper Muthomi, alias MC Jessy, asked members of the press to go offline and not broadcast the NDC until the delegates iron out in house issues before going live. Journalists have been asked to temporarily leave the Kasarani Stadium gymnasium.

11:14 AM: UDA Delegates are in a closed-door session to nominate their Presidential Candidate and party leaders ahead of August polls.

10:21 AM: Deputy President William Ruto arrives at Kasarani Stadium for UDA’s NDC.

9:57 AM: Registration of UDA National Delegates Convention as they await to unveil William Ruto as the flag bearer.

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