President William Ruto over the weekend directed him to lead political negotiations to unlock UDA county elections standoff in Nairobi.
"On Nairobi where two camps are at loggerheads on the process of elections, Ruto directed the deputy president to lead in negotiations that will lead to a political settlement," UDA said.
The standoff that saw polls postponed indefinitely is between Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.
The two are eyeing UDA county chairmanship.
The contest has been so tough that at some point Gakuya to lead a mass walkout from UDA if he loses the seat.
One of the contentious issues is the voting method by the delegates.
Gakuya faction wants elections held using a manual system, while the Sakaja camp wants a pure digital process.
But on Saturday, UDA NEC resolve to have an electronic voting system.
“The committee has restated its emphasis that the elections shall continue as scheduled and the process shall be carried out through the UDA electronic voting system,” it said..
It however remains to be seen how Gachagua, who has been linked with Gakuya’s faction, will navigate the negotiations.
The Embakasi North MP has been a constant figure in the DP's meetings.
Already Sakaja’s camp is voicing concerns with Gachagua's involvement in the truce given his stand.
The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal halted the elections on June 6 following a complaint lodged by one of the factions until the case is determined.
In a move to find a resolution, Ruto asked Gachagua to lead talks between the two camps and find a way forward.
The President made the decision on Saturday evening after chairing the UDA National Executive Committee meeting at State House.
"Nairobi polls can be held on the same day as the other two counties," he said.
