The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is facing sharp criticism from Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) bishops in Embu over its recent political move in Mbeere North Constituency.
The church leaders are unhappy with the party’s decision to hand a direct nomination ticket to a candidate without involving the local community in the selection process.
According to the bishops, the direct nomination undermines democratic principles and denies the people of Mbeere North the right to freely choose their preferred leader.
They expressed concern that the party may be pushing individual interests at the expense of transparency and public involvement.
The church leaders, who have often played a role in promoting peace and fairness during elections, believe that political parties should embrace inclusivity and allow open participation in candidate selection. They warned that such actions could spark division and weaken public trust in political institutions.
They urged UDA to reconsider its approach and involve the people more actively in grassroots decisions, especially when choosing leaders who are supposed to represent them. The bishops insisted that fair political competition is key to ensuring good leadership and that bypassing this process sets a dangerous precedent.
The controversy has stirred political tension in the area, with some residents backing the bishops’ concerns. Many fear that favoritism and closed-door decisions could affect the quality of leadership in the region and erode accountability.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, pressure is mounting on UDA and other political parties to be more transparent in their nomination processes. The church leaders have vowed to keep pushing for fairness, integrity, and meaningful public participation in leadership matters.
The situation in Mbeere North is being closely watched, as it could influence similar political decisions in other parts of the country.
By Kenyans