Democratic Action Party of Kenya may not field a senatorial candidate if by Wednesday aspirants will not have complied with the outfit's requirements.
Kakamega branch executive director Joel Okwako said the three aspirants are yet to comply with the party's requirements.
They are Patrick Butichi, Douglas Shamala and Winfred Asiko.
“We are still waiting for the aspirants to clear the nomination fees before the deadline, which is Wednesday, April 20," Okwako told the Star on the phone.
"If they will not comply, then we’ll have no option but not to field a senatorial aspirant.”
He said apart from paying life membership fee, they are supposed to pay Sh255,000 nomination fee to be eligible for primaries.
Okwako said if they all comply, the party may use consensus to settle on one candidate or if not, subject them to nominations.
He said governor nomination—pitting Deputy Governor Philip Kutima and Lugari MP Ayub Savula—will take place on Wednesday if the two will not have agreed on the flagbearer.
“Kutima and Savula are both strong candidates but it seems they are each pulling on their side rigidly. The party is trying through its organs to bring them to a consensus but if they don’t agree, then the only option will be for them to go for direct nomination so that the people can decide who they want,” Okwako said
Speculation had been rife that one would step down and go for senator. But the two seem to have developed cold feet since UDA announced Boni Khalwale as its Senate aspirant.
Kutima jumped ship from ODM citing unfairness and foul play, while Savula quit ANC when party leader Musalia Mudavadi joined Deputy President William Ruto in the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Edited by Josephine M. Mayuya
