Nairobi — The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has suffered a significant blow with the defection of its vice chairman, Kipruto Arap Kirwa, who has officially joined the Azimio Coalition.
During a campaign rally in Sirisia Market, Bungoma County, Kirwa announced his resignation from the Deputy President William Ruto-led party to join Raila Odinga's Azimio camp.
He was warmly received by Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua, who welcomed Kirwa to the Azimio la Umoja fold.
"From today I Kipruto Arap Kirwa have resigned as UDA vice chairman and I have resigned because I have seen how democracy is going to be suppressed if we allow the other side," Kirwa said.
Kirwa stated that he joined Odinga's camp to ensure the latter obtains the 50+1 support threshold, citing his belief that the Azimio camp will clinch victory.
He revealed that his decision to leave UDA was influenced by Odinga's announcement of Martha Karua as his running mate.
"All of us are hardworking and transformative leadership having worked in the Mwai Kibaki regime.This is the team that will work and deliver as compared to our opponents who give empty promises," Karua said.
