UDA elections in limbo after two groups differ over dates

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Who is complaining?

He demanded to know the source of complains about use of party funds and accused the media of deviating from the information provided during his briefing.

"We will have to write a letter to The Standard. You are running a narrative which is not good for the party. We have a list of all the journalists who attended. Who is your source? posed Malala.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa recently branded the UDA Secretary General an opposition mole, seeking his ouster from the party. Other politicians from Western region, including Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, have also faulted Malala's handling of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Dr Khalwale last week said he had petitioned the party to have the secretary general removed from office, which Malala said the secretariat was yet to receive. The former Kakamega senator has been the face of Ruto's push for dissolution of parties affiliated party to Kenya Kwanza Alliance to join UDA.

Vibrant party

"A party without conflict is not a party. This is a sign of a vibrant party... we will have many conflicts ahead and after the elections and we have proper mechanisms to ensure we put our membership together," Malala said.

Sabatia MP Clement Sloya defended the UDA secretary general saying that he was driving the party agenda.

"Some people have faith in Malala and others don't. That is normal. As spokesperson of UDA, he speaks for all elected leaders and he has proven that he can work under pressure. He should be given time to work," said Sloya.

UDA Treasurer and Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi said the party would form the national election board in readiness for the December polls and a dispute resolution committee to settle issues arising from the exercise.

"We will have a verifiable and accountable election... we will be having the deputy party leader here every two weeks and the party leader after every month to ensure we are prepared as a party," Nyakundi said. Kesses MP Julius Rutto urged the secretariat to ensure smooth elections.

"As party members, we are happy with the plans. We are only asking that what they tell us is there," said Rutto.

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