Kivutha Kibwana Ditches Raila For Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance
Kivutha Kibwana, the outgoing governor of Makueni, is the latest prominent figure in Azimio la Umoja to defect to President-elect William Ruto‘s Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
On Tuesday, Kibwana was welcomed by Ruto at the Deputy President Karen residence in Nairobi.
Kibwana admitted last month that there had been “small political differences” among Azimio leaders from Ukambani.
He was quick to point out, however, that they had put their differences aside.
Kibwana, according to Ruto, has joined the Kenya Kwanza legal team, which will defend his victory in Supreme Court petitions filed on Monday.
The defection came four days after Raila Odinga’s running mate Martha Karua accused Ruto of illegally courting Azimio members.
Ruto’s actions, according to Karua, violate the Political Parties Act.
“It is unfortunate that somebody who aspires to lead this country, and who is a deputy president of the outgoing government, is going around breaking the laws of the country,” she said.
“So for the Deputy President to start wooing people, enticing them to leave a coalition without the requisite legal provisions, it’s either a display of impunity or gross ignorance of the law of the land.”
However, Ruto has stated that he will recruit new members and key leaders in Kenya Kwanza to strengthen his team in Parliament.
He stated that he requires the figures.
However, Ruto has stated that he will recruit new members and key leaders in Kenya Kwanza to strengthen his team in Parliament.
He stated that he requires the House numbers in order for the government agenda to run smoothly.
Last week, UDM leaders, led by outgoing Mandera Governor Ali Roba, abandoned Azimio in favor of Kenya Kwanza.
Ruto welcomed the team, which included Mandera governor-elect Mohamed Khalif, at the Karen residence.
UDM has eight members of parliament, two senators, and two governors.
Ten of the 12 Independent MPs in Parliament have said they will work with Ruto’s team. Legally, they must remain independents unless they seek re-election through the constituent parties.
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Both Moyale MP-elect Guyo Waqo (UPIA) and Kanu’s Wario Guyo Adhe (North Horr), both Azimio partner parties, support Ruto.
Meru governor-elect Kawira Mwangaza has joined Kenya Kwanza after being elected as an Independent.
Makau Mutua, a spokesperson for the Azimio Presidential Campaign Secretariat, has also accused Ruto of plotting to return Kenya to the dictatorial Kanu era, when it was a one-party state.
He stated that while parties indicated they had joined Kenya Kwanza, none had formally begun the process of leaving the coalition, so any alleged defections were null and void.
