- UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala called for a consultative meeting to resolve issues between the two camps.
- In a bid to push a favourable verdict on their side, a section of players have invoked their financial muscles to woo key players.
Image: TEDDY MULEI
Ahead of the Nairobi UDA MCAs meeting set for Thursday, the Star has established details of intense lobbying and multiple choreographed plans among warring factions.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala called for a consultative meeting to resolve issues between two camps fighting to take charge of key seats including that of minority leader and whip.
One camp led by Minority leader Antony Waithaka and minority Whip Mark Mugambi is wrestling to remain in charge amidst a sustained onslaught by a rival camp led by South B MCA Waithera Chege and Nominated MCA Joyce Kamau.
In the wake of existing tension jolting the two camps, the Star has learnt of intense lobbying characterised by several secret meetings and heavy financial transactions.
In a bid to push a favourable verdict on their side, a section of players have invoked their financial muscles to woo key players.
"Money is at the centre of the lobbying where some of the MCAs are being ‘bought’ and told to vote and speak in favour of one faction, a source aware of the intrigue intimated to the Star.
Some of the UDA MCAs who spoke to the Star, although on condition of anonymity, confirmed that thousands of monies were in circulation ahead of the meeting.
“I know that some of my colleagues on Sunday were given Sh200,000 to take a side and the have been promised up to Sh500,000 ahead of tomorrow’s meeting," a first-term MCA told the Star.
“It’s not secret, some of our colleagues have been bought to take a stand and it's very unfortunate because we need to get leaders who are for the people and not out of receiving “facilitation”,” another MCA told the Star.
Reliable sources have confirmed to this writer a key meeting involving senior state officers was held in Karen to plot on installing a new leadership
"We know they have been meeting in Karen and we know their plans and that is why they want new leadership," a second-term MCA said.
But even as lobbying and planning continue, Malala has assured both camps of transparency in handling the matter.
“As a party, we have no preferred candidate and we will accept whichever faction wins and life will move forward,” he said.
Deputy Minority leader Waithera Chege while addressing the media on Monday accused the current leadership of pushing self-interests.
She said so while vowing to ensure that they push the interests of ordinary Nairobi residents if given the chance to lead.
"Unlike our predecessors who chose to pursue a personal interest, we promise members that we shall push the agenda of Nairobi residents," she said.
But in a rejoinder to Chege's onslaught, Kiragu's camp fired back accusing them of plotting an impeachment against Governor Johnson Sakaja.
"We are shareholders in this party and I want to categorically say that Governor Sakaja is going nowhere. I have been personally approached to turn against the Governor but Sakaja is a UDA member and I stand with him," Kiragu stated.
The UDA legislator claimed that the officials who are part of the government have chosen to fight the governor using his projects
"They fight everything including the good policies like Dishi na County. The sad thing is that they have made this fight personal. We want to send a clear message that no form of intimidation will scare us. We will support Sakaja and no impeachment will sail through,” Kiragu added.
Malala on Wednesday revoked his earlier letter to the speaker announcing the appointment of new leadership.
The SG said that the revocation was a result of a court order from the Political Parties and Disputes Tribunal preventing the party from making any changes to the leadership.
“In the view above we are constrained to suspend our earlier communication and that there be status quo of the existing Minority leadership in line with the court order,” reads the letter.
The letter was addressed to the speaker of the county assembly.
In changes communicated by Malala on Monday, Waithera Chege was named the minority leader and was to be deputised by Deonysias Mwangi (Githurai MCA).
Umoja One MCA Mark Mugambi was to be replaced by nominated MCA Joyce Muthoni as Minority whip.
Muthoni was to be deputised by Clay MCA Samora Mwaura as her deputy.
The changes were said to be made after 35 MCAs allegedly appended their signatures to change the leaders.
Malala later in the day, however, made a U-turn saying he had received complaints that some of the signatures were forged hence calling for the crisis meeting.
However, on Tuesday, the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) barred UDA from making leadership changes at the Nairobi county assembly.
PPDT chairperson Desma Nungo gave the orders barring UDA from making any changes until a hearing and determination are done.