Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) Nelson Koech has asserted that the ongoing El Nino rains played a significant role in the decision by President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party to defer its grassroots elections.
Koech explained that the party recognized the insensitivity of proceeding with elections amid a nationwide impact of heavy rains, affecting thousands of people.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Daybreak show, Koech emphasized, “It will be very insensitive for us politicians to campaign at the backdrop of a nation that is suffering the effects of flooding and excess rainfall.”
In addition to the weather conditions, Koech pointed out that the postponement was also influenced by the East African Assemblies games in Rwanda, where key UDA players would be engaged.
He further mentioned the deferment in light of the December festivities and the need for families to unite, saying, “At our last PG we requested the president that because of what is happening in the country it is only fair to move the election to a later date.”
However, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi contested these reasons, suggesting that the election delay was instead a response to a hostile reception at the grassroots, fueled by the rising cost of living. Osotsi stated, “The ground is very hostile to UDA because of the cost of living. So it is only fair for them to postpone the elections so that they don’t face those challenges on the ground.” He also highlighted internal party conflicts as a significant factor, with leaders from various regions asserting their demands.
The UDA officially announced the postponement on November 18 after the National Steering Council (NSC) meeting.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala disclosed that the grassroots elections would be staggered into three clusters, scheduled for April 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2024, with a detailed schedule outlining county clusters to be released in due course.
