Kipruto Arap Kirwa Ditches Ruto’s UDA For Raila’s Azimio La Umoja

Bungoma, Kenya, May, 29 – United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party deputy chairperson Kipruto Arap Kirwa has ditched the party to join Raila Odinga’s Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition.

The former Cabinet minister during the Kibaki administration officially joined Odinga’s movement during a political rally in Sirisia, Bungoma County.

“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 for Raila Odinga to unveil 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 Kirwa.

Mathira legislator Rigathi Gachagua’s nomination as William Ruto’s running mate is said to have irked a section of leaders within the Kenya Kwanza Coalition.

Kirwa is said to have contacted Odinga’s running mate Martha Karua last night and notified her of his decision to ditch the ‘hustler nation’.

“We have received our brother with open hands and Ralia has already welcomed him to Azimio. Welcome home,” said Karua.

“The other team is already jittery but they haven’t seen nothing yet,” said Odinga to a cheering crowd in Sirtisia.

Kirwa is the second high-ranking UDA official to ditch the party in recent months after former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara who was the party’s treasurer also left the party.

The leaders cited a lack of democracy within the party.