Johnson Sakaja, the governor of Nairobi County, denied reports that he was asked to withdraw his candidacy for chairman of the Nairobi United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party.
This follows rumors that some party officials asked the governor to withdraw from the race—a claim he has acknowledged knowledge of.
Sakaja insisted in a Thursday morning interview that he is still in the race and will not give in to pressure.
"I'm not a leader who succumbs to pressure. If there had been pressure, I would not have been governor of Nairobi, and I don't know where they assume it is coming from. I have heard the rumours," he said, speaking to Inooro TV.
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"There is no such thing. What I have said as a leader in this city I want a united party and we'll make sure that we have a united party and everyone in Nairobi should come to the field we face each other so that we can create a strong party."
On April 19, during a meeting with UDA Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), Governor Sakaja announced his candidacy.
"I want you to get this from the horse's mouth; I'm vying for Nairobi chairmanship position in the United Democratic Alliance party," Sakaja stated at the time.
Before the party's nationwide grassroots elections, scheduled to begin on April 26 and end on August 24, the MCAs told the governor they would support him.
In the first phase, the counties of Nairobi, Narok, West-Pokot, Busia, Homabay, Isiolo, and Garissa will be the first to carry out the exercise.
The second phase, which is slated to begin on June 22, will be held in Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Wajir, Tana River, Kwale, and Marsabit.
The following counties will hold elections on August 10: Kiambu, Embu, Kericho, Meru, Migori, Kakamega, Nyamira, Kitui, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Kajiado, Mandera, Kilifi, Murang'a, and Lamu.
The following regions will participate on August 24: Nakuru, Bomet, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Baringo, Turkana, Laikipia, Trans-Nzoia, Kisumu, Vihiga, and Makueni.
The National Elections Board (NEB) has appointed Anthony Mwaura as its chairperson and Veronica Kiberenge as vice chairperson.
Lydia Munika, Jimmy Kaingi, Mary Mutinga, Halake Dida, and Linda Kiome are among the other members who have been appointed.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said the elections will also be held online.
