Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has moved to steady the United Democratic Alliance UDA ahead of the upcoming Ol Kalou by election, meeting a group of aspirants seeking the party ticket and assuring them of a credible nomination process.
Kindiki on Wednesay, said he had engaged at least ten interested candidates and urged them to pursue consensus where possible to avoid unnecessary divisions within the party.
At the same time, he assured those in the race that the party primaries would be free, fair and verifiable, amid heightened political interest in the Nyandarua seat left vacant following the death of area MP David Kiaraho.
Kindiki said UDA had built its reputation on internal democracy and transparency and would not deviate from that standard as it prepares for the mini poll.
He was flanked by UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, Secretary General Hassan Omar and National Elections Board Chair Anthony Mwaura.
The by election, which follows Kiaraho’s death, is already shaping up as more than just a local contest.
It is expected to turn into an early political test in the Mt Kenya region, with signs of a looming supremacy battle between Kindiki’s camp and allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua under the Democracy for Citizens’ Party banner.
Gachagua’s allies have been steadily building influence in the region in recent months, setting the stage for a direct political contest with UDA.
At the same time, the race has drawn interest from other political players, with Jubilee Party pushing for a different approach.
Jubilee leaders have publicly called on opposition parties to stay out of the Ol Kalou by election, arguing that the seat should be left to them, a position that is likely to further complicate the contest.
