Nairobi, September 23

Deputy President William Samoei Ruto has moved to stem fear in his camp following claims that a section of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party associated with him were conspiring to issue direct nominations to some members.

Mr Ruto, who spoke on September 22 told all those interested in running for political offices on UDA ticket that the party will conduct free and fair elections.

The Deputy President, who has not publicly pronounced his role in the formation or running of the party, was addressing the question of nominations that has caused unease among the members.

"Every person interested in any position will get an equal opportunity in our UDA party," stated the Deputy President.

"We will have free, fair and democratic nominations in this party. You do not need to be a friend to anyone to be nominated."

Mr Ruto told the party members it is only the voter who has the power to determine who gets the party's ticket and eventually becomes an elected leader.

"As to the question on who gets the ticket to run for the position of the Member of the County Assembly, Governor, Senator, etc, you do not need to know nobody. You just need to know the voter."

Mr Ruto added that the voter holds the knife and the yam and will decide the future of the party and the election at large.

The Deputy President's sentiments come at a time his party has received a huge backing and received a number of defectors who have decamped from the ruling Jubilee Party.

On September 22, Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Mumbi Waiguru, made it clear that she will be seeking to defend her seat on a party dictated by the electorate.

Although she did not expressly pronounce her decamping from President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party to join UDA, Ms Waiguru indicated it is the most ideal party in her region.

Should she join UDA, she will battle it out at the nominations with Woman Representative, Purity Ngirici, who is seeking to unseat her.