The launch of the Jubilee Party's smart card technology in the registration of party members has upset a section of the party supporters in the stronghold of Deputy President William Ruto.
Over 300 aspirants in Uasin Gishu and Nandi Counties have demanded that the Jubilee Party Secretariat withdraws the smart cards or makes them free for all willing members.
Addressing a press conference in Kapsabet, the aspirants complained that the technology had been introduced with the intention of favouring wealthy aspirants given that each card is sold at Sh20.
Party officials have encouraged aspiring candidates to actively purchase the cards for their supporters who will in turn vote for them during the party’s nomination.
Some of the politicians have claimed that they have been left disadvantaged as their wealthy rivals are buying thousands of the cards.
The aspirants stated that if the cards were not made free, they would be forced to decamp to alternative parties where they would have a fair chance of nomination.
The smart card technology was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta and was lauded as a positive step towards ensuring a transparent nomination process.
On Sunday an official in the Jubilee Party disclosed to a local daily that they had already sold 3.6 Million cards which totals to Sh72 Million.
The official added that they already placed another order of 5 Million cards which are set to be delivered by Saturday, January 28.
This is meant to ensure anybody who desires to join Jubilee gets a card and is registered.
