UDA sets November 26 for Kandara, Elgeyo Marakwet nominations

UDA has announced November 26 as the date it will hold nominations to pick its candidates for January 5, 2023, by-elections.

UDA National Elections Board chairperson Anthony Mwaura said the nominations will be conducted for the Elgeyo Marakwet senatorial seat and Kandara parliamentary position.

Mwaura assured aspirants of a free and fair exercise and that the party does not have preferred candidates for the seat.

“We expect to carry the most credible, free and fair nominations this country has ever seen,” he said.

He said 14 aspirants have shown interest in the Kandara seat while Elgeyo Marakwet has attracted 21 politicians.

He said one aspirant has shown interest in the Shella ward seat in Lamu.

“We are asking aspirants to conduct themselves properly. Any unlawful activity will lead to disqualification,” he added.

Mwaura spoke after holding a consultative meeting with aspirants from Elgeyo Marakwet County and Kandara constituency.

The aspirants are seeking the party ticket to contest in the by-elections.

Kandara's parliamentary seat fell vacant after Alice Wahome was appointed as Water and Sanitation CS.

Transport and Public Works CS Kipchumba Murkomen relinquished his Elgeyo Marakwet seat after he joined the Executive.

On November 1, UDA invited all interested and qualified registered party members intending to participate in Kandara, Elgeyo Marakwet seats to submit their applications for party primaries on or before November 11.

UDA chairman Anthony Mwaura said the vacancies are for the Member of Parliament for Kandara, Senator for Elgeyo Marakwet and MCA for Shella ward in Lamu.

For positions in the MCA, male candidates will be required to pay Sh50,000 for the nomination fee, and Sh25,000 for women, youths and Persons with disability.

For the MP slot, male candidates will pay a nomination fee of Sh250,000, for women, youths and persons with a disability will pay Sh125,000.

Persons eyeing the Senate position will pay Sh250,000 and Sh125,000 will be paid by women, youths and persons with disability.