Governor Sakaja enter races for UDA chair in Nairobi
By Kevin CheruiyotNairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has formally declared interest in the UDA Nairobi County branch chairperson position.
Sakaja made the announcement on Friday when he meet with a section of Members of the Nairobi County Assembly drawn from the party.
The governor, who was elected on a UDA ticket, said that if elected he would ensure that all party members in the county are treated fairly.
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“I want you to get this from the horse’s mouth. I’m vying for Nairobi chairmanship position in United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party” Sakaja said.
The MCAs who attended the meeting at the governor’s private office endorsed the governor’s candidature.
Sakaja is now likely to face off with Embakasi North MP James Gakuya who has also expressed his interest in the seat ahead of the party elections.
UDA Minority Leader in the County Assembly Anthony Kiragu, who initially expressed interest in the same position, was among the MCAs who endorsed Sakaja’s candidature.
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At the same time, Governor Sakaja has already declared that he will defend his seat in the next general election on a UDA ticket.
According to UDA Party National Elections Board (NEB), phase 1 of the party grassroots elections is slated for April 26, with Nairobi County among the regions to hold elections on that date.
UDA board secretary Brian Mbugua announce that they have already ordered for 5,000 gadgets that will be used in the electronic elections.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who will be in charge of the grassroots election, has promised transparency and fairness.
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While a majority of MCAs have indicated that they will back Governor Sakaja, his fate will be determined by members of the party.
Victory at the party polls will strengthen his plans to be become the first Nairobi governor to be re-elected.
Governor Sakaja has had indifferences with Mr Gachagua since he came into office, which has seen some of his plans being derailed, including the plans to relocate long distance matatus from CBD to Green Park Terminus.
His plans to relocated hawkers from the CBD to the backstreets have also stalled.