The ruling The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has invited aspirants in the upcoming by-elections to channel any complaints to the party’s Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) should any of them feel aggrieved by the conduct of the exercise.

The party is anticipating disputes before and after its nominations slated for September 20 to determine its flag bearers for the vacant Senate, National Assembly, and County Assembly seats. 

According to Adrian Kamotho, the committee chairman, disputes will also be lodged electronically, via email.

“Notice is hereby given that the Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee shall forthwith be available to receive, hear and determine all disputes relating to the by-election party nominations,” said Kamotho.

However, UDA seems more inclined towards nomination by consensus, which could avert most of the disputes.

Yesterday, August 14, the party announced that it would adopt consensus to pick its candidate for Mbeere North constituency to replace Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who was elected on the Democratic Party ticket in the last election.

The announcement followed a meeting of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with the candidates who will be expected to conduct joint campaigns with the identified flagbearer. 

Speaking during a consultative meeting with leaders from Baringo County at his official Karen Residence, DP Kindiki urged those interested in the Baringo Senate seat to rally behind a single candidate from the pool of hopefuls, even as he assured them of free and fair nominations.

“We can’t afford useless tricks that might cost us the seat. We must find a fair and acceptable way to pick one of the UDA candidates for the by-election. We will look into the best way to pick the best. If the contestants cannot agree on one person, we will hold free and fair nominations and back the winner,” he said.

“If you openly back the winner, we will hold your hand and find a place for you somewhere else,” he added.

Similar calls were made in Malava Constituency by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is leading UDA’s efforts to capture the MP seat left vacant following the death of Malulu Injendi, elected on an Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket.

Malulu’s sons Ryan Injendi, David Ndakwa, Shimaka Leonard, and Simon Kangwana are gunning for the ticket.

Former Chief Principal at Bungoma High School, Enock Andanje Musambai, was also in the race until his death today after he collapsed moments after arriving for a widow’s empowerment forum in Kakamega.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) mourned him as a “dedicated servant” who had a great vision for the residents of Malava.

“His passion for uplifting the lives of widows, orphans, and youth was evident in his tireless work on the ground,” said UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar.

Voters in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, and Ugunja will also cast their votes to elect their new MPs.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled the by-elections for November 27.

Baringo Senate seat, six MP seats and 17 MCA positions will be on the ballot.