UDA Postpones Phase III Grassroots Polls After MP Ng’eno’s Death

By Suleiman Mbatiah

The United Democratic Alliance has postponed its Repeat Phase III grassroots elections following the death of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, pushing the exercise in affected counties by at least a week.

The party’s National Steering Committee met at its headquarters under chairperson Cecily Mbarire and resolved to adjust timelines to allow burial preparations for the late legislator.

Members observed a minute of silence in honour of Ng’eno before receiving a briefing from Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot on preparations for his send-off.

In a notice dated March 2, the National Elections Board said the repeat Phase III polls slated for March 7 will now be held on March 14.

“We have found it necessary to adjust our timelines accordingly in solidarity during this period of mourning,” said Elections Board chair Anthony Mwaura.

The board said the Phase III repeat elections will affect counties including Meru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet and Vihiga among others.

Repeat Phase II grassroots elections have also been rescheduled and will now be conducted on April 9 across counties in Coast, North Eastern, Eastern and parts of Western regions.

The steering committee also reviewed the party’s performance in recent by-elections, where it won the Isiolo South parliamentary seat and three ward positions.

“The meeting reviewed the exceptional performance of the party during the just concluded by-elections, where the party won all the contested seats,” the statement said.

Among those present were Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Treasurer Japhet Nyakundi and Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya