A group of Mombasa UDA party members is alarmed because it is said boardroom horse-trading could replace grassroots polls with bigwigs' consensus.
Tension is rising and a split is feared.
However, the Voice of Mombasa Movement has opposed talks on consensus, denying the will of the people. It is a social movement and business initiative of Mombasa MCA candidates who ran unsuccessfully on UDA tickets.
Led by the group’s spokesman Michael Nato, the members are demanding a meeting with UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala.
The ruling party has scheduled grassroots elections in August, but rivalry is rising, threatening to split the party.
Two weeks ago, a UDA delegates’ meeting in Mombasa attended by Malala ended abruptly after a clash by supporters of UDA vice chairman Hassan Omar and Nyali MP Mohammed Ali.
Both Omar and Ali have declared interest in running for Mombasa governor on the UDA ticket in 2027. Omar has twice run unsuccessfully, in 2017 (Wiper party) and 2022 (UDA).
Two factions, one led by Omar and another by Ali are fighting for control of the party. Each claims to have support of the majority.
On Monday, Nato said they want the party to conduct free, fair and transparent elections for the grassroots officials, instead of handpicking them.
“We strongly oppose any boardrooms negotiations, we want elections. Yes, consensus can be a cost-effective method, but it can only be an option if it is done in a structured manner,” he said.
Members have said that barely one month from the date of the election, the UDA’s National Executive Council and National Elections Board are yet to issue communication and guidelines on how the elections will be conducted.
“It is very suspicious that there is no communication on the elections rules and regulations from the NEB, hardly a month to election day,” Nato said.
The position of Mombasa UDA chairperson has attracted three strong candidates— Ali Kitaka and Mutungwa Wambua both allied to Omar, and Mombasa county UDA coordinator Samir Omar, Ali's close ally.
The UDA members have promised to work with whoever members will elect as chairperson, saying the elections should not divide the party.
Nato called on the party's disciplinary organ to punish members hell-bent on causing chaos within the party.
“Indiscipline within the party continues to escalate at worrying levels. Once again, we condemn the shameful incidences that occurred during the delegate's meeting. The provocation of some people shouting at our national vice chairperson should not go unpunished,” Nato said.
The group also urged President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua to meet all the party MCA candidates as promised and honour their promises to them.
Nato said the promise the President made to them contributed to their going all out to ensure Ruto attained 44 per cent of the presidential votes cast in Mombasa county. It had been perceived to be a predominantly ODM zone.
“It should be understood that we deserve full recognition from our president and his deputy. Here in Mombasa it's elusive as it is no longer tenable for some elected leader to make us lick his boots and insult others as a qualification to get state jobs and appointments,” he said.
The chairman of the movement, John Walele called for a list of delegates to be made public ahead of the party grassroots elections next month.
The date was not disclosed.
“I will be vying for the county vice chairman, it is only proper if we know the list of delegates who will be voting so that candidates can prepare adequately for the elections, Walele said.
He reiterated the party was not split, saying UDA will emerge stronger than ever, promising they will work to ensure they increase Ruto’s support base in Mombasa to surpass the 44 per cent votes come 2027.
Walele called for Mombasa people to be remembered in employment opportunities, especially at the Port of Mombasa, saying the port is one of residents' biggest resources and source of employment.
“We know soon the port will be hiring new staff," he said.
"It it is our humble prayer that our people who voted for the party hoping to get benefits from it be considered,” he said.
