The recently concluded UDA nominations were a scam in many parts of the country, especially Rift Valley.
It was clear the exercise was marred by irregularities, with the party having its candidates in mind for some areas.
It was unfortunate that a candidate who was in position four in Moiben, Uasin Gishu, was awarded the UDA certificate while the candidate who won was denied the certificate.
However, repeat nominations were done on Tuesday and the same candidate who fairly won and had been denied the certificate won again and was finally awarded the certificate.
What's being witnessed in parts of Rift Valley is that some MPs are believed to have planted their cronies at the UDA headquarters, as election officials want to dictate the candidates for the party against the wishes of the majority of the people.
Reports were circulating in Nandi Hills that MP Alfred Keter would not be awarded the UDA certificate even if a majority of voters reelected him.
Genuine concerns about the integrity of the nominations have been raised in other areas among them Cherangany, Naivasha, Keiyo North, Marakwet East, Marakwet West and Turkana East.
In Marakwet East, for instance, it was reported that three candidates refused to concede defeat because the nominations were the worst that have ever been witnessed as far as issues of voter bribery, irregularities and corruption were concerned.
Now, several aspirants are trooping to the Registrar of Political Parties to withdraw their membership from UDA and register as independent candidates.
Aspirants who have been voted out unfairly will likely ask their supporters to vote for a presidential candidate not associated with the party they have withdrawn from as a protest against what was done to them.
That's why parties need to exercise democratic ideals and allow voters to elect leaders of their choice without being intimidated.
It will therefore be impossible for anyone to convince voters, especially in Rift Valley to embrace a six-piece suit voting because of the shambolic nature of the nomination exercise.
Eldoret
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
