Voting method next battlefront for UDA candidates in Nairobi poll

Embakasi North MP James Gakuya. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Intrigues surrounding the postponement of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Nairobi county level elections have deepened after Embakasi North MP James Gakuya opposed electronic voting.

Governor Johnson Sakaja and Gakuya who are rivals for the UDA Chairman position are flexing political muscles and splashing money to win delegates support.

This happens even as the date for the elections is yet to be known after the party postponed the city elections which were scheduled for June 10, 2024.

"This suspension is issued pursuant to an order issued on 6th June 2024, by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, halting the election for Nairobi County," noted the board chair, Anthony Mwaura, through a statement.

This was followed by meeting in State House chaired by President William Ruto bringing together UDA National Executive Committee.

During the meeting Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was tasked to mediate between the opposing factions to facilitate the rescheduling of the elections.

It has now emerged that the main point of contention is the voting method as the candidates continue pampering their delegates.

Already Gakuya has indicated that he is against electronic voting which was previously used at the polling station, ward, and constituency levels to elect party officials.

The MP who was hosting his delegates in Naivasha argued that the electronic system is compromised and cannot ensure a transparent, free, and fair process.

He demanded use of secret ballot arguing that it is the most transparent process.

Gakuya argued that through the manual voting, it is easy to address election malpractice or any issues that may arise unlike the electronic system.

"We are saying that with the electronic process, in any case where any failure arises, we don't have what we call backup to tell us exactly what has transpired," he said.

The two candidates have been claiming they have enough numbers to carry the day.