Sakaja and Gakuya Plot against Each Other as UDA Standoff Looms in Nairobi

With the Nairobi gubernatorial race heating up, Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is facing an internal standoff as two of its candidates, Johnson Sakaja and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, are embroiled in a bitter feud. Sources within UDA have revealed that Sakaja and Gakuya, both vying for the party’s ticket, have been plotting against each other in an attempt to undermine their respective campaigns. Sakaja is said to have accused Gakuya of using money to influence delegates in his favor, while Gakuya has alleged that Sakaja is not a bona fide UDA member and should be disqualified. The conflict between Sakaja and Gakuya has heightened tensions within UDA, with some party officials expressing concern that it could damage the party’s chances in Nairobi. The county, which has traditionally been a Jubilee stronghold, is considered a key battleground in the upcoming election. “This standoff is a major setback for UDA,” said a UDA official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We need to find a way to resolve this as soon as possible, or we risk losing Nairobi.” The UDA standoff in Nairobi is also expected to have an impact on the wider political landscape. Ruto, who is seen as the frontrunner in the presidential race, needs to maintain a united front within his party to secure a win in August. “If UDA fails to resolve its internal conflicts, it will send a signal to voters that the party is not ready to govern,” said political analyst Herman Manyora. “This could cost Ruto valuable support, especially in urban areas.” As the UDA standoff continues, it remains to be seen how the party will resolve the conflict and move forward with its campaign in Nairobi. The outcome of this internal struggle could have significant implications for the upcoming general election.Intensified Campaigns Heighten Tensions in UDA Nairobi Elections

Intensified Campaigns Heighten Tensions in UDA Nairobi Elections

The postponement of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections in Nairobi County has escalated a tense situation among candidates vying for the chairmanship position. While the UDA’s National Electoral Board (NEB) attributed the delay to a court order, the two rival factions in the elections are engaging in strategic maneuvers to gain an advantage ahead of the much-awaited polls.

Candidates’ Strategies

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya are leading the race for the presidency, and both have intensified their campaigns. Sakaja’s camp held a retreat at Maanzoni Lodge in Athi River, while Gakuya’s group gathered at Sweet Lake Resort in Naivasha.

Numerical Claims

Gakuya’s campaign manager, Waithera Chege, claimed the team has secured 248 votes out of a total of 340 delegates in Nairobi County. Sakaja’s supporters, on the other hand, asserted they have 300 votes.

Financial Resources

Both candidates have reportedly spent significant amounts on retreats for delegates. Gakuya’s group is estimated to have spent around Sh10.4 million, while Sakaja’s team may have shelled out Sh9 million.

Political Allegiances

Vice President Rigathi Gachagua, a close ally of Gakuya, is believed to be supporting his bid. Sakaja has been targeting Gachagua and Gakuya in his campaign, accusing them of using the polls to influence the 2027 general elections.

Analyst’s Perspective

Political analysts speculate that Gachagua’s involvement in the Nairobi elections is part of a larger strategy to establish his dominance ahead of the 2027 elections. They also suggest that Sakaja’s attacks on Gachagua are a way to assert his independence and distance himself from perceived interference. As the election date remains uncertain, the tension and strategic maneuvering among the candidates are likely to continue, with the outcome having implications for political dynamics in Nairobi and beyond.

UDA Standoff Looms in Nairobi as Sakaja and Gakuya Clash

Political tensions are rising in Nairobi as United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants Johnson Sakaja and Margaret Wanjiru Gakuya engage in a bitter rivalry for the party’s gubernatorial ticket. Sources within UDA have revealed that the two politicians are actively working to undermine each other’s campaigns, engaging in smear campaigns and spreading rumors. Sakaja’s camp has accused Gakuya of being an outsider brought in to sabotage his bid, while Gakuya’s supporters claim that Sakaja is exploiting his position as a sitting senator to rig the nomination process. The conflict has deepened the rift within the UDA Nairobi chapter, with supporters of both camps accusing each other of plotting against the party. Some members have even threatened to defect to other parties if their preferred candidate is not nominated. The standoff has raised concerns about the party’s unity ahead of the August 9 general election. UDA is keen to avoid a repeat of the 2017 nomination debacle that saw the party split into factions, leading to its defeat in several key races. Party officials have met with both Sakaja and Gakuya in an attempt to resolve the conflict and prevent it from damaging the party’s chances in Nairobi. However, these efforts have reportedly been met with resistance from both sides. Sources say that if the stalemate continues, UDA may be forced to conduct a competitive nomination process, which could further escalate the rivalry and deepen the divisions within the party. The political drama in Nairobi is expected to dominate the agenda in the coming weeks as UDA races against time to resolve the impasse and select its gubernatorial candidate.