Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto says Nyayo and Kasarani stadia will not be available for any political rally on August 6, 2022.
In a letter to the United Democratic Alliance party dated 20th July, Metto said, “We regret to inform you that due to peace concerts scheduled to take place at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani and Nyayo stadium between 5th and 7th August, the facility will not be available for your use.”
UDA however claims the recent development is one of several plans to frustrate the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and its Presidential candidate William Ruto ahead of the August 9 election.
In documents availed to the media by UDA Secretary General Veronica Maina, the party requested for reservation of the venue on July 7 and was subsequently sent an invoice by Sports Kenya on the terms of payment.
Maina says the party proceeded to pay the required Ksh 1.5m for the booking of Nyayo stadium for the UDA rally slated for August 6.
The documents indicate that UDA is in possession of a receipt issued by Jacky Kaara from the reservations office Sports Kenya on 12 July 2022.
Maina says they are unbowed and will not succumb to intimidation in their pursuit of winning the election.
It’s not clear if Azimio has received a similar letter from Sports Kenya after the Coalition’s council secretary General Junet Mohammed issued a statement notifying their supporters of a rally at Nyayo stadium on August 6.
The two leading presidential contenders were to wrap up their campaigns with mega rallies in the capital city.
The official campaign period for the 2022 General Election kicked off on May 30 and ends just 48 hours to the August 9, 2022 poll.
By Fred Azelwa.