UDA primaries will be free and fair, says Ruto

United Democratic Alliance party nominations will be free, fair and credible, Deputy President William Ruto has said. 

Ruto on Wednesday said he was determined to make UDA a formidable and tribeless national outfit dedicated to long-term unity, governance and development.

“We are building a serious party that belongs to the people. This political vehicle will detach ethnicity from our politics,” he said.

Ruto said there will be no losers in UDA primaries. 

“It is going to be a win-win race. Those who lose in the party primaries will be considered for nominations in the order of their performance,” he said. 

The DP was addressing more than 600 Nairobi county aspirants drawn from UDA at his Karen residence.

Leaders present during the meeting were Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, MPs James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Millicent Omanga (Nominated) and Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central).

Also present were John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), George Theuri (Embakasi West) Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Nixon Korir (Lang’ata), Alice Wahome (Kandara) and John Wanjiku (Kiambaa). 

Ruto said UDA will change the political path of Kenya, free it from the  jaws of ethnicity and emphasise an economy-heavy debate.

“We want to build a country that offers equal opportunity to all. In UDA, your success will be a function of hard work and determination, and not who you know,” he added. 

UDA secretary-general Veronica Maina said the party will work together with leaders and try to engage all aspirants during nominations. 

“There will be no shortcuts in UDA. Poll outcomes will be determined by the voters,” she said. 

Maina called on aspirants to pick quality agents who are well versed with election issues.

She said the party will not accept any cash payments made at its secretariat. 

“No UDA official should collect any money from anybody. We want everyone to get a free and fair chance,” Ruto said.

(Edited by V. Graham)