Nairobi by-election: Bishop Margaret Wanjiru to fly United Democratic Alliance flag ·

27 Jul 2024, 00:00

- The United Democratic Alliance was registered recently and is associated with Deputy President Willliam Ruto

- The outfit whose membership is largely made up of Tanga Tanga loyalists said it was ready to face off with competitors form other parties including Jubilee Party

- Senator Kipchumba Murkomen noted UDA will be fielding candidates for other by-elections in the county including the two parliamentary seats in Kabuchai and Matungu

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United Democratic Alliance, a party linked to Deputy President William Ruto, has unveiled Bishop Margaret Wanjiru as its flag bearer for Nairobi gubernatorial by-election.

Wanjiru was issued with UDA ticket on Friday, January 8, at the party's newly refurbished head office in Nairobi.

Ruto's allies led by Elegeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen said they were ready to face off with competitors from other political parties.

"We do not fear competition. We have a candidate here in Margaret Wanjiru. We win of we lose that is a part of democracy," said Murkomen.

Ready to exit

The move by the Tanga Tanga camp to unveil a candidate on UDA party could mark the beginning of their massive exit from the ruling Jubilee Party on whose platform they were elected.

Ruto's team popularly known as Tanga Tanga has been decrying frustrations and mistreatment in Jubilee Party for the better part of President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term in office.

Majority of those who were holding powerful positions in parliament were de-whipped for allegedly being disloyal.

Murkomen who was serving as the Senate majority leader was kicked out alongside Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika who was the majority chief whip.

More candidates

Reports indicate the newly formed outfit whose simple is a wheelbarrow is planning to field candidates for other by-elections in the country.

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Apart from the Nairobi gubernatorial race which has high stakes, three by-elections are lined up. On March 4, Kabuchai and Matungu constituencies will be electing their new MPs following the demise of their respective lawmakers in late 2020.

Machakos county will be heading to the ballot on March 18 to elect a new senator following the death of Boniface Kabaka who was serving his first term.

Ruto's camp is keen to field candidates in the three contests and has already identified probable aspirants to consider.

In Kabuchai, Evans Kaikai, who has been campaigning as an independent candidate is reportedly on the verge of joining UDA ahead of the mini poll.

Kaikai is the former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) board member and a close ally of Ruto.

In Matungu, UDA is reportedly courting one Alex Lanya to fly its ticket while former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama who joined Ruto's team recently is reportedly scouting for a candidate to represent his county in the Senate through UDA party.

Nairobi by-election: Bishop Margaret Wanjiru to fly United Democratic Alliance flag

- The United Democratic Alliance was registered recently and is associated with Deputy President Willliam Ruto - The outfit whose membership is largely made up of Tanga Tanga loyalists said it was ready to face off with competitors form other parties including Jubilee Party

Ready to exit

More candidates

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