A moment of chaos unfolded in South B during the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections as rival supporter groups clashed. Videos shared online captured the tumultuous scene, showing police officers escorting two female poll officials away amid loud shouting and disorder.
The elections saw about 1,700 delegates from all 85 wards in Nairobi casting their votes to select UDA grassroots officials in high-stakes polls. The most closely watched contest was for the influential Nairobi UDA chairman post, with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya as the main contenders.
Governor Sakaja is considered a formidable candidate, leveraging his extensive grassroots networks across Nairobi to challenge his opponent. On the other hand, Gakuya enjoys the strong backing of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, making the contest particularly competitive.
In preparation for the elections, Sakaja mobilized his supporters, including former ward and constituency aspirants, sitting MPs, and influential figures within the Nairobi UDA. This strategic assembly aimed to bolster his campaign and secure a victory over Gakuya.