Fate of 9 UDA Uasin Gishu MCAs sealed as High Court orders their de-gazettement

Fate of 9 UDA Uasin Gishu MCAs Sealed as High Court Orders Their De-Gazettement
The political careers of nine United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominated Members of the Uasin Gishu County Assembly now hang in the balance after the High Court ordered their immediate de-gazettement.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, conclusively addressed a long-standing dispute over the nomination process that placed the nine individuals in the county assembly after the 2022 General Election. The court found that the nomination list was marred by irregularities and procedural violations, prompting the order to strike out their names from the official gazette.
Court Declares Nominations Unlawful
In its decision, the High Court noted that the disputed nomination list did not adhere to legal requirements outlined by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Petitioners had argued that several deserving candidates were overlooked without justification, while others were allegedly included based on political patronage rather than merit.
The judge emphasized that public offices must be filled in strict compliance with constitutional guidelines to preserve fairness, integrity, and equal representation.
County Assembly Faces Changes
The ruling means that the Uasin Gishu County Assembly will now operate without the nine MCAs until IEBC reviews and corrects the nomination list. The affected individuals are expected to vacate office immediately, while the party and electoral commission initiate the process of replacing them.
The decision has significant implications for the political alignment within the assembly, particularly because the UDA party holds a majority in the region.
Background of the Dispute
The case was brought forward shortly after the 2022 polls, with petitioners—including party members and civil society representatives—challenging the transparency of the process. They claimed that the nomination list did not reflect the county’s demographic diversity, particularly in gender, youth, and marginalized groups.
What’s Next?
UDA and the IEBC are now tasked with submitting a revised and lawful list to fill the vacant positions. Legal experts say the ruling sets a precedent for counties where nomination disputes remain unresolved.
Residents of Uasin Gishu will be watching closely as the county assembly adjusts to the changes and prepares for the transition.