Kiraitu Murungi Dumps Raila For Ruto

Former Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi and his party, the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), have joined president-elect William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza.

Ruto announced on Friday, September 2 that Murungi's party will be part of the alliance having held successful discussions at his Karen office in Nairobi.

"We welcome the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) to Kenya Kwanza. Their resolve to work with us is an indication that leaders agree that the interests of Kenyans override our personal or party interests. 

William Ruto receiving the DEP party and former Meru Governor, Kiraitu Murungi, to Kenya Kwanza. /WILLIAM RUTO

"Received the leadership of DEP at the Karen Office, Nairobi, led by former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi," he wrote.

Leaders present were Deputy President-Elect Rigathi Gachagua, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang'ula, Salim Mvurya, Aden Duale, Cecily Mbarire, Justin Muturi, Lenny Kivuti, Kathuri Murungi, Moses Kirima, Mugambi Rindikiri, Mithika Linturi and Elizabeth Karambu.

Others were Alexander Mundigi (Senator, Embu), John Paul (Igembe South), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North), John Mutunga (Tigania West), Moses Kirima (Central Imenti), John Muchiri (Manyatta), Eric Muchangi (Runyenjes), Geoffrey Ruku (Mbeere North), Nebert Muriuki (Mbeere South), Jayne Kihara (Naivasha Town), Sylvanus Osoro (South Mugirango), Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), Justus Mugo (Deputy Governor, Embu) and more than 40 Members of County Assembly (MCA) from Meru and Embu Counties.

Kiraitu was supporting Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate, Raila Odinga before the August 9 general elections which Raila lost to Ruto.

He lost his first election in over 30 years to an independent candidate, Kawira Mwangaza, elected with 209,158 votes.

Murungi amassed 110,850 votes and was third, behind Senator Franklin Mithika Linturi of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) who got 183,859 votes.

The president-elect has been unfazed by a petition at the Supreme Court seeking to invalidate his win as he has been convincing several parties and independent candidates to join his coalition.

Some say he is preparing adequately for the scenario in which the Supreme Court on Monday, September 5 happens to nullify his election, in historic circumstances, and that he would have to go to a re-run against Raila.

Exiled lawyer, Miguna Miguna, warned Raila that he risks suffering a more embarrassing defeat in the re-run, despite remaining confident that the court would uphold his election.

"If the Supreme Court nullifies the election of William Ruto (I don't think they will), fresh elections must be held in 60 days by Chebukati and the IEBC. Conman Raila Odinga will get less than 40% in a fresh election. Otherwise, William Ruto will be sworn in this September," he tweeted.

Tiaty MP, William Kamket, became the latest 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).

Tiaty MP, William Kamket and president-elect, William Ruto, at the latter's Karen office on September 1, 2022. /WILLIAM RUTO