Kenya Kwanza alliance has been denied access to the Nyayo National Stadium on August 6 where it planned to hold its final rally ahead of the General Election.
In a statement, Sports Kenya, which is tasked with managing the stadium, noted that the venue had already been booked for a separate peace concert.
The concert is slated to take place between August 5 and August 7, 2022.
"We regret to inform you that due to peace concerts scheduled to take place at both Moi International Sports Centre - Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium between August 5 and August 7, 2022, the facility will not be available for your use. Kindly be informed," the statement addressed to UDA Secretary General, Veronica Maina, read.
UDA had written to the Ministry of Sports booking the venue on June 7 and followed up with a payment of Ksh1.5 million on July 12.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a UDA representative maintained that the party would hold its rally on the aforementioned date arguing that they had already landed the slot and complied with the law.
"We have complied with the law. We will be there. The law is on our side," the representative stated.
Azimio la Umoja alliance headed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had also applied to have a rally at the same venue on August 6 dubbed as the grand rally on the last day of campaigns.
"The Azimio campaign team led by #babanamartha will hold its last official campaign meeting in Nairobi at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, August 6," a statement from Azimio team read in part.
It is, however, not clear whether UDA had paid for the venue.
The sports complex has been used by both Raila and Ruto for previous events. Azimio launched its manifesto at the stadium while Ruto had a meeting with the Kenya Kwanza women's guild and hosted prayers at the stadium.
Despite Kasarani Stadium having a greater capacity (60,000) than Nyayo (45,000), the sports colosseum is preferred by most politicians due to its centrality.
