After losing a second time in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) primaries in Mogotio, incumbent MP Daniel Tuitoek has left the party to run as an independent candidate.
At a press conference, Dr Tuitoek confirmed that he will run for re-election in the August 9 General Election.
He declared the rerun results unjust, spiteful, and shambolic, in which he lost to his primary competitor Reuben Kiborek.
The MP stated that the repeat polls were part of a larger plot to oust him from office by outsiders who had their own candidates in mind.
Read: Bring It On – Alfred Keter Tells UDA, To Defend Seat as an Independent Candidate
He claimed that the party’s order to repeat the polls was unlawful because no one had questioned the results of the initial election, in which he was declared the winner.
Dr Tuitoek received 9,662 votes in the annulled results, while his opponent received 9,469.
However, in subsequent polls, he was defeated by Mr Kiborek, who received 9,861 votes against his 9,601.
“I have since learnt that nobody had sanctioned the rerun, since there was no petition challenging my nomination,” Dr Tuitoek said.
Read Also: It’s Ridiculous, Alfred Keter Says After UDA Nullified Win
The MP said that time had passed him by in his attempt to protest the findings, leaving him with no choice but to leave the party.
The MP said that the repeated primaries were characterized by enormous irregularities and malpractices, including bribery and manipulation, all aimed at rigging the results in his opponent’s favor.
Dr Tuitoek, on the other hand, stated that he supports Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential campaign, despite the fact that he will run as an independent candidate.
His supporters applauded the decision, saying it gave them the opportunity to elect a good leader.
Read Also: Alfred Mutai: MCA Who Trounced Kuresoi North MP Cheboi for UDA Ticket
Mr Jim Tall argued that UDA had treated Dr Tuitoek unfairly by subjecting him to illegal repeat polls in order to deprive him of the chance to defend his seat.
Dr Tuitoek, he added, had fought cartels that held the Constituency Development Fund office hostage and stifled development.
“We left the Jubilee Party for UDA after we were treated unfairly but are saddened that we are being subjected to the same pain that forced us out of the Jubilee party. Anyway, we thank the MP for heeding our calls to defend his seat on an independent ticket,” Mr Tall said.
He stated that cartels enraged by Dr Tuitoek’s leadership were retaliating because they did not want him to stay in power.
Read Also: Bungoma UDA Gubernatorial Aspirant Demands Sh500,000 Refund After Party Backed Lusaka
The DP William Ruto-led party is set to issue aspirants with nominations tickets later today (Wednesday).
“UDA will issue nomination certificates tomorrow. PONGEZI to all our candidates. A big THANK YOU to UDA coordinators who VOLUNTEERED for days. MANY MORE THANKS to our 52,000 ROs, POs & clerks for the HUGE SACRIFICE, working more days than the one day budgeted & paid. MBARIKIWE SAANA,” he tweeted on Tuesday evening.
More Stories
DP Gachagua Wants Cases Against Falsely Accused Persons to be Dropped
Kanu to Reconsider Position in Azimio After Being Locked Out of EALA Race
Nick Salat Takes On Gideon Moi After Missing Out on EALA Nomination