This archive report was first published on 18 July 2021.
Published on July 18, 2021, Deputy President William Ruto's Hustler Nation has gained momentum in the Coast region, with Kaloleni MP Paul Katana forming an alliance with two aspirants who had declared their interest in vying for the Kaloleni seat.
Jeff Ria and Gunga Junior, who had been eyeing the Kaloleni seat, have shelved their ambitions and joined forces with Paul Katana, a foot soldier of Deputy President William Ruto. The duo has vowed to support Katana's re-election bid in Kaloleni and has also thrown their weight behind Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa's gubernatorial race.
At a rally in Kilifi, Owen Baya introduced the duo to the Hustler Nation team, with Deputy President William Ruto in attendance. The move is seen as a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening the Hustler Nation's presence in the Coast region.
However, Edward Saro Tsuma, who has been a thorn in Paul Katana's side since 2017, remains firm in his support for Jimmy Kahindi Kadhuwa's gubernatorial race. Tsuma has maintained that he is ready to face Katana and his new allies in the 2022 general election.
Speaking to Nyakundi Report, Saro Tsuma said, "Politics revolves around the aspect of democracy, and in politics, every day we wake up with new formations." He added, "That doesn't come as a surprise to see Jeff Ria and Gunga Junior merging with Paul Katana, and we expect many more re-alignments ahead of the 2022 general election."
