More and more aspirants are shunning the North Rift's popular UDA party ahead of the August 9 General Election.
Addressing the press in Eldoret on Tuesday, Kapseret parliamentary aspirant Francis Murgor said nominations are likely to be undemocratic.
“There have never been free and fair nominations for political parties, and the same will happen this year as we head to the polls,” Murgor said as he announced his resignation from the United Democratic Alliance.
The region has attracted more than 20 independent aspirants, including businessman Bundotich Buzeki, who will be vying for the governor seat in Uasin Gishu.
The aspirants defended their right to vie for various seats without being linked to any political parties ahead of the polls.
Independent candidates can also support any presidential candidate of their choice, Murgor said.
He will now face off with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi during the elections.
Buzeki has argued that it’s better to avoid the baggage of running through political parties, where he said cartels control and interfere with nominations.
“As an independent, I will have the freedom to organise myself the way I want than invest so much in a party then be messed up through the primaries," Buzeki said.
UDA is the most dominant party in the region, which is the stronghold of DP William Ruto, and most of his allies are vying for various seats, raising speculation that there may be interference in the primaries to favour certain aspirants.
Analysts say should there be problems with the primaries, then party supporters may opt to back independent candidates in protest.
The independent aspirants will also have to battle waves of propaganda, with DP Ruto advocating a three-piece suit voting pattern to ensure only candidates of UDA are elected.
Murgor said parties should not propagate falsehoods and propaganda against independent candidates.
“The issue of three-piece voting patterns should not arise because I am sure even DP Ruto needs from votes from myself and those who support me,” Murgor said.
Others who have indicated they may vie as independent candidates include Ainabkoi MP William Chepkut, Kesses MP Dr Swarrup Mishra and his Moiben counterpart Sila Tiren.
UDA elections board chairman Anthony Mwaura however assured the party’s aspirants in the Rift Valley region that the nominations set for April will be free and fair.
Mwaura dismissed as untrue the rumours that some aspirants may be favoured during the primaries.
He said they will invite local and foreign observers to oversee the nominations, expected to be very competitive in the region that is the stronghold of DP Ruto.
