Deputy President William Ruto shakes hands with Turkana South MP James Lomenen at his Karen residence, Nairobi County. [Susan Nyamasege, DPPS]
Deputy President William Ruto has assured of free, fair and credible United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party nominations.
Dr Ruto said those who lose in party primaries will be considered for nominations.
“It is going to be a win-win race. Those who lose in the party primaries will be considered for nominations in the order of their performance,” he said.
The DP vowed to make UDA a formidable and national outfit anchored on unity, good governance and development. “We are building a serious party that belongs to people. This is a political vehicle that will detach ethnicity from our politics,” he said.
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He added, "National political parties are the ultimate guarantee for democracy, unity and development. UDA is building a tribeless and equal-opportunity mass party that will take Kenya forward. It is in the Hustler Movement that our hard work and determination will count, and not who we know," Ruto added.
The DP spoke when he met more than 600 UDA Nairobi county aspirants at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.
Leaders present included Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, MPs James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Millicent Omanga (nominated), Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), George Theuri (Embakasi West) Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Nixon Korir (Lang’ata), Alice Wahome (Kandara) and John Wanjiku (Kiambaa).
UDA has already rolled out a mass membership registration drive across the country.
Ruto exuded confidence that UDA will change Kenya's political path, halt ethnicity and ensure economy-heavy conversation.
“We want to build a country that offers equal opportunity to all. In UDA, your success will be a function of hard work and determination,” he added.
UDA Secretary General Veronica Maina assured that the party will work with all leaders and engage aspirants during nominations.
“There will be no shortcuts in UDA. Poll outcome will be determined by voters,” she said.
Ms Maina called on aspirants to pick agents well versed with election issues.
She also said the party will not accept payments in cash at the secretariat.
“No UDA official should collect any money from anybody. We want everyone to get a fair chance,” said Ruto.
On Tuesday, the DP warned against politics of personal aggrandisement saying it was now irrelevant.
"We refuse to be driven through tribal force, in tribal parties divisions and hate reside and we all become losers," said Ruto.
