Martha Karua Infuriated After Ongwae Dumps Raila For Ruto

Since Ruto toppled her boss, Raila Odinga, in the August 9 general elections, Ruto has been on a poaching spree, wooing politicians who were previously aligned with the Azimio faction.

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Sep 10, 2022 - 08:56
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Martha Karua Infuriated After Ongwae Dumps Raila For Ruto
Martha Karua speaking during a past rally. /TWITTER

Former Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition presidential running mate, Martha Karua, did not take the latest defection by former Kisii governor, James Ongwae from Azimio to the Kenya Kwanza coalition lightly.

Since Ruto toppled her boss, Raila Odinga, in the August 9 general elections, Ruto has been on a poaching spree, wooing politicians who were previously aligned with the Azimio faction.

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.

Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President-elect William Ruto in Karen on Friday, September 9, 2022. /JAMES ONGWAE

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.

"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.

However, Karua took fault with the move and many others appeared to be targeting the Azimio coalition, terming it as Ruto's ploy to reduce its capability to keep the incoming administration in check.

She said that with the increasing trend of leaders decamping to Kenya Kwanza, Kenya would be returned to the era of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi where Kenya was a one-party state.

"This is a deliberate and sustained offensive to decimate the opposition and return the country to a de facto one-party state," said Karua on Twitter.

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 came 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. Kiraitu was supporting Raila before the August elections.

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

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