UDA primaries in Baringo, Turkana hit by low turnout

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party primaries for the Baringo Senatorial seat and Nanam Ward in Turkana were marked by low turnout, confusion, and supremacy battles. In Baringo, the electronic voting exercise saw nine candidates contesting the ticket following the death of Senator William Cheptumo in February. The aspirants included Daniel Kiptoo, Kiprono Chemitei, Wycliffe Kipsang, Reuben Chepsongol, Evans Mudulel, Joseph Cheruto, Linus Kamket, Isaac Kirikmet, and Silas Tochim. The exercise ran from 8 am to 5 pm, though many polling stations experienced minimal activity. Caroline Jebichii, who voted at Mogotio Comprehensive School, said she expected long queues but found only agents and officials. She praised the electronic system, saying it restored trust in the process. In Nanam Ward, Turkana West, primaries began amid heated arguments between camps allied to Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai and Turkana West MP Daniel Epuyo. The position fell vacant after the death of former Deputy Speaker Philip Ekuwam. Disputes emerged over the number of polling stations, with one group claiming 12 had been listed while opponents insisted there were only seven, including AIC Lopiding, St Matthew, Kaselem Mobile, Ekipor Mobile, AIC Nanam Primary, St Cosmas, and Lomeyan. The contest has drawn two candidates: Sarah Akai Ekuwam, widow of the late MCA, and former Nanam MCA Cosman Longor. County executives backed Longor, while Ms Ekuwam enjoyed support from MP Epuyo, setting the stage for a battle of influence between the governor and the lawmaker. Longor criticised the party's decision to increase polling stations, saying it had caused unnecessary confusion. "We complied with the initial instructions to select seven agents, only to be told 12 stations will be used. The UDA party must resolve this before it degenerates into a crisis," he warned. Meanwhile, in Narok County, UDA unveiled Robert Kanyinge Kudate as its candidate for the November 27 Narok Town Ward by-election. Kudate received his certificate at a ceremony led by UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar, Governor Patrick ole Ntutu, and several MPs Omar cautioned opposition leaders against reviving divisive ethnic politics, warning that Kenya could not afford a return to "the dark days of ethnic balkanization." He urged leaders to embrace unity and issue-based politics, citing the 2007-08 post-election violence as a painful reminder of ethnic divisions. Governor Ntutu echoed Omar's remarks, promising continued development for residents. Kudate is expected to launch his campaign soon, with UDA rallying support around unity, stability, and development. By Yvonne Chepkwony, George Sayagie and Bakari Ang'ela

UDA primaries in Baringo, Turkana hit by low turnout

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UDA primaries in Baringo, Turkana hit by low turnout

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