Ex-Kisii Governor James Ongwae Joins Ruto's Kenya Kwanza
Ongwae was with former women representative Janet Ong'era, former Transport Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Chris Obure and other leaders from Kisii County at Ruto's Karen residence in Nairobi.
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President-elect, William Ruto, has raided the Azimio la Umoja camp again, this time recruiting former Kisii governor James Ongwae into the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
In a statement dated Friday, September 9, Ongwae stated that he joined the coalition from the Raila Odinga-led opposing coalition and had fruitful discussions with Ruto while wishing him the best of luck in his reign.
Ongwae was with former women representative Janet Ong'era, former Transport Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Chris Obure and other leaders from Kisii County at Ruto's Karen residence in Nairobi.
Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President-elect William Ruto in Karen on Friday, September 9, 2022. /JAMES ONGWAE
"Had insightful discussions with the 5th President of Kenya William Ruto. Congratulations Mr President, best wishes, good health & God's favour in your tenure as you steer our country toward economic recovery. God bless Kenya!" he stated.
Also understood to be with him was ex-Kisii Woman Rep Janet Ong'era, a former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) executive director and Raila's key ally. She lost the Kisii seat to Doris Donya of Wiper.
Other leaders present at the meeting were Ex-MPs Jimmy Angwenyi (Kitutu Chache North), Zepedeo Opere (Bonchari) Ben Momanyi (Borabu), Manson Nyamweya (South Mugirango), Zadock Ogutu (Bomachoge Borabu) and Stephen Manoti (Bobasi).
Ongwae served his last term as Kisii governor this year, having held the office for two terms after he was elected under the ODM ticket. He was one of Raila's biggest supporters.
His move comes as a slew of politicians have been dumping the Azimio coalition for Kenya Kwanza, which has left a bad taste in the mouth of the former's supporters.
Before Ongwae, former Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi and his party, the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), joined Kenya Kwanza.
Ruto announced on Friday, September 2 that Murungi's party would be part of the alliance having held successful discussions at his Karen office in Nairobi. Kiraitu was supporting Raila before the August 9 general elections which he lost to Ruto.
He lost his first election in over 30 years to an independent candidate, Kawira Mwangaza, elected with 209,158 votes.
Tiaty MP, William Kamket, became the previous high-profile addition to Kenya Kwanza prior to Kiraitu. Other top additions include former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana and Mandera Senator-elect Ali Roba with his party the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
William Ruto receiving the DEP party and former Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi, to Kenya Kwanza. /WILLIAM RUTO
