On May 29, Kipruto Arap Kirwa, the National Vice Chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), made a shocking move by defecting to the Azimio coalition. This decision was announced during a political rally at the Mayuba Stadium in Sirisia, Bungoma county, where he was welcomed by Azimio's flag bearer Raila Odinga's running mate Martha Karua.
With over 15 years of experience in politics, Kirwa had served as the Cherang'any MP for ten years and as a Cabinet Minister for five years during President Mwai Kibaki's reign. However, he cited a lack of democracy within the UDA as the reason for his departure, specifically mentioning the appointment of Rigathi Gachagua as Ruto's running mate.
According to Kirwa, the majority of UDA members had not settled for Rigathi as Ruto's running mate, and this was the final indication that democracy was being sacrificed within the coalition. He stated, 'Mine has been a journey of two weeks, last Sunday but one, Kenya Kwanza announced their selection of Ruto's running mate and that was the final indication among many that there was a lack of democracy.'
Kirwa's defection has been welcomed by various Azimio leaders, including Charity Ngilu, who tweeted, 'Kipruto Arap Kirwa, welcome to the winning team. The exodus from the other side has only just begun. Twende sote kwa nyumba ya baba Raila Odinga.'
