President William Ruto has directed his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua to lead political negotiations to unlock the UDA county elections standoff in Nairobi.
The highly emotive Nairobi County polls pit two factions allied to Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.
The UDA National Elections Board on Saturday cancelled the Nairobi County elections which were planned to be held on Monday following a dispute.
The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal halted the elections on June 6 following a complaint lodged by one of the factions until the case is determined.
In a move to find a resolution, Ruto asked his deputy to lead talks between the two camps and find the way forward.
"On Nairobi where two camps are at loggerheads on the process of elections, Ruto directed Deputy President to lead in negotiations that will lead to a political settlement," a statement by the UDA party said.
The President made the decision on Saturday evening after chairing the UDA National Executive Committee meeting at State House after days of push and pull.
The party said a decision was made that the Nairobi election be held in the coming days to enable party delegates pick their leaders.
"Nairobi's polls can be held on the same day as the other two counties," he said.
Gachagua, the country's second in command is said to be backing Gakuya's faction although the legislator has denied the reports.
It is not clear how the DP will navigate the negotiations given that he has been linked to the Gakuya camp.
The Gakuya faction reportedly wants elections held using a manual system while the Sakaja camp wants a pure digital process to elect county officials.
Following the Constituency elections held across Nairobi, Sakaja camp romped to victory, garnering 240 votes against Gakuya's 340 votes.
