Ex-MP Swarup Mishra Joins UDA Months After Dumping Ruto [PHOTOS]

Former Kesses Member of Parliament Swarup Mishra on Wednesday, May 17 joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party under President William Ruto.

The medical doctor-cum-businessman dumped the former ruling Jubilee Party under the Azimio la Umoja coalition and mobilised a section of professionals and businessmen from the Asian community to join the party known for its 'Yellow Wave'.

He was formally received by the UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala at the party headquarters in Nairobi.

The Hindu Council of Kenya, the United Asian Network – the umbrella body that brings all the Asians together, as well as the Sikh Council, endorsed the Ruto administration saying they want to be a part of the ruling party.

Former Kesses MP Swarup Mishra with UDA Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, while joining the party at UDA headquarters in Nairobi on May 17, 2023. /FACEBOOK.UDA

Mishra was joined by among notable names Manoj Shah of Kingways, Vimal Kantaria – chairperson of the United Asian Network, Shravin Patel, Ashif Kassim, Bhaju Patel, Ravider Singh – chairman of the Sikh Council, Gnanshyam Pabari - chair of Hindu Council of trustees and former Parklands MCA Jayendra Malde.

"This morning, Secretary General, Sen. Cleophas Malalah received into the Party, a Delegation from the Kenyan Asian Community who had expressed their desire to be enjoined as members of the Ruling Party. 

"The Kenyan Asian Community is famed for its country-wide contribution to the Kenyan Socio-Economic matrix hence creating millions of employment opportunities for Kenyan citizens as well as taxes to the government," stated UDA in part.

UDA hailed the community's entry into the party as a pacesetter for other small marginalized communities who wish to exercise their freedom to associate and belong to a political party of their preference. 

Members of the Asian community at UDA headquarters in Nairobi on May 17, 2023. /FACEBOOK.UDA

Mishra on his part expressed his remorse after his self-confessed blunder of dumping President Ruto in the run-up to the 2022 general election.

“Please forgive me for the mistake I made. I will be a loyal member and I thank God I am now back home and I got my family back home,” said the former lawmaker.

“I confess the mistake and plunder I made. I chose the wrong party and direction but for today God sent me where I belong. We will now work together to strengthen the party,” said Mishra after joining UDA.

Mishra had defended his seat as an independent in the run-up to the August elections but was powerless to stop Julius Rutto of UDA from beating him. Rutto garnered over 30,000 votes while Mishra got slightly over 20,000, according to election results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Mishra, who was elected on a Jubilee ticket in 2017, was out to break the one-term jinx in the constituency. In response, President Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua led a campaign urging the electorate to reject Mishra and other independent candidates in the Rift Valley and elect UDA candidates.

“I want to besiege you all residents of Kesses, make a choice between milkman or red pepper man. We want to have more leaders to implement our agenda,” said Ruto at a rally in Kesses ahead of general elections in August 2022.

On September 6, 2022, Mishra admitted that he made the wrong decision of not joining Ruto's camp at a time when the outfit enjoyed overwhelming support in the Kesses constituency and region.

“I humbly request my community to forgive me for the wrong decision I made.  At the end of the day, sometimes, the wrong wisdom or decision can happen.

“It is good that we realize, reconcile and also correct ourselves in future so that it never happens,” Mishra stated.

The former lawmaker and businessman who was born in Odiasha, Eastern India, speaks fluent Kalenjin. He was also baptized with a Kalenjin name 'Kiprop' and lives in Uasin Gishu County, specifically Kesses. 

Mishra owns the Mediheal Group of Hospitals that has facilities in Eldoret, Nakuru and Nairobi and other countries.

For the Asian community, joining UDA represents the first time they are openly declaring a political stance, having been fence-sitting on political matters in the country and shy to take sides for years since the assassination of Pio Gama Pinto on February 25, 1965.

Members of the Asian community at UDA headquarters in Nairobi on May 17, 2023. /FACEBOOK.UDA

Members of the Asian community at UDA headquarters in Nairobi on May 17, 2023. /FACEBOOK.UDA