Tracy Wanjiru: Meet JKUAT student aiming to beat DP Ruto for UDA presidential ticket

Tracy Wanjiru Kingoli, one of the two aspirants angling to beat Deputy President William Ruto in the race to clinch the UDA party ticket, is a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Bio-Engineering.

The 23-year-old has declared interest to battle it out with DP Ruto for the UDA ticket alongside Jephanei Orina, with the three now set for an interview that will determine their eligibility to vie for the country’s top seat.

The party's Secretary General Veronica Maina on Thursday invited the trio to the party’s headquarters for interviews slated to happen on Saturday, March 12.

“We write to invite you for verification of your documents and interview to determine your eligibility as a presidential candidate.” Read the letter.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Wanjiru who is a person living with disability, said she applied for the position on February 28, and she was shocked to receive a letter from SG Maina inviting her for the interview.

"Well, it was some time earlier in the year when it hit me, we already know those who are running, no new blood, no new or fresh ideas or practical solutions for our country, maybe just a few," she said.

"What struck me most was the lack of any female leader to openly say they are contesting the top seat or even a youth, who are always labeled as the leaders of tomorrow, hiyo kesho imefika and that’s why I decided to apply.”

With her condition, she was not required to pay the presidential nomination fee of Ksh.1 million.

UDA is scheduled to have its National Delegates Congress (NDC) on Tuesday next week at the Kasarani indoor arena.