The United Democratic Alliance party, associated with Deputy President William Ruto, has announced several changes as it prepares itself for the 2022 General Elections.
In a gazette notice, the Office of Registrar of Political Parties announced that UDA intends to change its constitution, some party officials and the location of its headquarters.
The party announced its new secretary-general would be Veronicah Nduati Waheti, who takes over from Mohammed Sahal.
The secretary for international affairs would be Hussein Ada Somo. No one held this position before.
The secretary for devolution and inter-governmental relations will be Edward Kamau Muriu.
The party further said it would be changing its head office from Transnational Plaza, 9th floor in Nairobi's CBD to Sifa Towers, 6th floor, along Ringroad in Kilimani.
“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended changes by the political parties shall within seven days from the date of this publication, deposit them with the Registrar of Political Parties,” the Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu said.
In one of his addresses, UDA chairman Johnson Muthama said the party is the chosen bus that will help drive Deputy William Ruto to State House in 2022.
Among its vocal supporters are Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Caleb Kositany (Soy), Nixon Kirir (Lang'ata) and the entire Tanga Tanga brigade.
UDA was formerly the Party of Development and Reform. It changed its name later per the Political Parties Act.
In a gazette notice dated December 28, Party for Development and Reform changed its name to UDA.
The party symbol was formally that of a bull and was changed to a wheelbarrow.
UDA members have been operating from an office at Nairobi’s Kilimani area along Makindu Road, off Riara Road. The building was previously used as the operation base of the Jubilee Asili.
Nderitu also announced that Safina Party would be changing its officials.
The National Chairperson will be Duncan Nyale, a position previously held by Mwalimu Mati, anti-corruption crusader and founder of Mars Group.
Deputy National Chairperson would be Martha Nduta, a position that was held by Dinar Awuor Agai
The chairperson, Women Council will be Beatrice Wamaitha taking over from Margaret Wayona.
The National Treasurer is Linus Kimitei. Asian Suleiman held the position before.
The Deputy National Treasurer will be Salome Njeri, a position that was previously held by Godfrey Mumo Githae.
Kenya has 71 fully registered political parties, and these numbers are expected to increase as elections approach.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris