Irony as UDA affirms satisfaction on the ongoing nominations amid widespread outcry
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing party nominations being held countywide despite major disruptive incidents being reported in some regions and widespread outrcy by aspirants.
National Election Board (NEB) Chairman Anthony Mwaura pointed out that they have witnessed incidents where ballot papers have been destroyed by unruly supporters and the late opening of polling stations.
He noted that those responsible for the destruction of election materials in Embu will appear before the party’s disciplinary committee on Saturday.
The materials were burnt while being transported to various polling stations in Embu yesterday evening, after it was intercepted by supporters of aspirants who alleged a rigging scheme.
“The aspirants who caused that commission have been summoned by the disciplinary committee of the UDA party to appear before it Saturday,” Mwaura stated.
He cited Bomet where voting materials for four polling stations were destroyed and Embu where materials were burnt.
“In Kisii, we had a shortage of ballot papers but that has been sorted,” Mwaura told the press at Hustlers Centre in Nairobi.
He reiterated that the party will not condone any form of violence, adding that aspirants found engaging in violent activities during the nominations period will be disqualified.
He also dismissed claims of fake ballot papers being in circulation, in some parts of the country where party primaries are ongoing.
The issue of the fake ballots as well as pre-marked ballots was raised by aspirants in the counties of Bomet and Nakuru, eliciting reactions among the candidates and their supporters.
Mwaura, however, assured that there is nothing of that sort, adding that the ballots are serialised hence cannot be manipulated.
The nominations are taking place in 35 counties across the country.
Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki indicated that the party has witnessed changes in some areas leading to the delay in the exercise.
He urged the party members to come out in large numbers even as he warned that the party will not condone acts of violence during the voting and tallying.
