Deputy President William Ruto has been dealt yet another blow after Kipruto Kirwa, the deputy chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), joined Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
Mr Kirwa is the second UDA official to desert the DP in less than two months.
Former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara, who was also the party’s treasurer, ditched the party alleging a lack of democracy.
Magara said he resigned after much thought and discussions with his Kisii constituents.
Read: Omingo Magara Ditches UDA Over Lack of Democracy in Party
“..my political future and ambitions cannot be sufficiently addressed by the UDA party. I therefore immediately resign as a party member and as a treasurer,” he said.
“This has been such a heavy decision to make, as we must always allow the voice of the people we seek to lead to prevail over and above our personal ambitions.”
The people’s voice, according to Magara, was seeking a different direction than the one he was on.
“The voice of the people is ultimately the voice of God,” he said.
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“Let us be vigilant for politics comes and goes but we as a people and as a nation, must remain united to allow us usher in the golden age of our republic.”
Mr Odinga welcomed the former Agriculture Minister, who was accompanied by the former Prime Minister’s running mate Martha Karua, to a political rally in Sirisia, Bungoma County.
Mr Kirwa claimed that the nomination of Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as DP Ruto’s running mate was proof that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance was suffocating democracy rather than advancing it.
He claimed that after Mr Gachagua was unveiled, he went into self-reflection before deciding to endorse Mr Odinga.
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“Two weeks ago, my side appointed the person who was going to be running mate of my brother, that was the clearest indication that there is no democracy. The following day, I waited Raila Odinga unveiled his running mate Martha Karua. It reached a point to think of what next and for those 13 days, I have been thinking how will I continue to be in a team where democracy is going to be sacrificed at the cross,” said Mr Kirwa.
“Last night, I called Martha Karua to ask where she will be today (Sunday) and she said she will be in Bungoma and Bungoma is the neighbor of Trans Nzoia where I stay. From today (Sunday) I Kipruto Kirwa, I have resigned as vice chairman of UDA.”
Ms Karua, who accompanied Mr Kirwa, lauded him as a dedicated leader who has always advocated for Kenyans’ well-being.
“I know my brother Kipruto Kirwa as a hardworking person. We were with him in Kibaki government and he was in charge of Agriculture,” she said.
Mr Kirwa’s joining Azimio, according to Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, is a clear indication that they will win the August 9 elections.
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