Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has set his eyes on the candidature for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Nairobi branch chairmanship.
“I want you to get this from the horse’s mouth; I’m vying for Nairobi chairmanship position in United Democratic Alliance party,” Sakaja said.
Sakaja made the announcement on Friday, April 19, 2024 during a meeting with members of County Assembly allied to the UDA party.
Sakaja said he is firmly in the race to lead party members in the county.
The meeting with MCAs came ahead of the grassroots elections scheduled for next week.
According to Sakaja, the MCAs vowed to back his candidature for the seat.
UDA’s National Election Board chairman Eng Anthony Mwaura is expected to issue a media brief on the ongoing county election sensitisation programme.
Nairobi County leaders and aspirants in the elections are also expected to attend the briefing at the Hustlers Centre.
Last week, UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala said the elections will be conducted digitally, noting that it is a milestone in the democracy of the country.
He assured members of a free and fair exercise ahead of the phased grassroots elections.
“I want to assure you that the UDA elections which are set to begin on 26 will be free and fair. UDA is the first party to conduct grassroots elections from the polling centres to the nationals,” he said on Saturday.
UDA plans to hold phased grassroots elections in select counties this month ahead of county and national-level elections later in the year.
The first phase of UDA elections will take place on April 26, 2024, in seven counties.
These are Nairobi, Narok, West-Pokot, Busia, Homabay, Isiolo and Garissa.
The second phase of the grassroots polls will be on June 22, 2024, in 13 counties.
These are Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Wajir, Tana River, Kwale and Marsabit.
The third phase will be held on August 10 across 15 counties of Kiambu, Embu, Kericho, Meru, Migori, Kakamega, Nyamira, Kitui, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Kajiado, Mandera, Kilifi, Murang’a and Lamu.
The last phase will take place on August 24, 2024 in 12 counties.
The counties to participate are Nakuru, Bomet, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Baringo, Turkana, Laikipia, Trans-Nzoia, Kisumu, Vihiga and Makueni.