Editor's Review

Delegates demanded allowances and party merchandise, accusing officials of unfairness.

A meeting called by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leadership in Kericho Saturday, September 19, culminated in chaos as rival groups took on each other.

The delegates meeting in Sosiot, Belgut Constituency, was called to have the attendees sensitised on ward-level grassroots elections, an exercise that has been ongoing across the country bringing together polling centre officials.

A disagreement emerged with a section of the delegates accusing the officials of mishandling the meeting.

Also in contention was the alleged unfair distribution of party merchandise, including T-shirts and caps, with others demanding allowances.

"We want sitting allowances as usual. We heard from elsewhere that people are getting allowances. We therefore ask for travelling allowance as well," said Patrick Korir, a delegate.

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At the height of the display, some members reportedly walked out of the meeting while others chanted one-term, prompting the officials on the ground to seek the intervention of the police, whose reaction ended the meeting prematurely.

A delegate speaking to the press.

In the course of the chaos, a similar meeting was underway in Kabarnet, Baringo County.

This comes days after the party rescheduled its grassroots elections in Kisii and Nandi counties, shifting the date from Saturday, October 3, to Friday, October 2.

The party explained that the adjustment was made to respect the Sabbath observance of Seventh‑day Adventist members in the two regions.

In its statement, the National Elections Board (NEB) confirmed that registration for participants opened on September 12 and will close on September 27, followed by candidate verification on September 28.

UDA further clarified that aspirants contesting ward‑level positions will not be required to pay registration fees. Voting will take place between 8 am and 5 pm on the revised date.

The NEB urged all members, officials, and stakeholders to take note of the changes and adjust accordingly.

This announcement comes shortly after UDA cancelled grassroots elections in Garsen Central Ward due to disruptions and irregularities.