Johnson Muthama, the national chairman of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has dismissed widespread online rumors that he plans to leave the party and join the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.
On May 30, 2022, Muthama clarified his position in an interview with local media, stating that he remains within the Kenya Kwanza coalition and supports the presidential ambitions of UDA leader William Ruto.
“I am still the national chairman of UDA, the largest party in the country. This is the truth that cannot be disputed. I will remain loyal to UDA until we form a government under William Ruto's leadership,” Muthama said.
Muthama's statement comes after the party's deputy chairman, Kipruto Arap Kirwa, announced his intention to leave UDA and join Azimio on May 29, 2022, at a rally in Bungoma's Sirisia constituency.
Kirwa's decision was welcomed by Azimio's presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua.
Kirwa claimed that he was motivated by the party's decision to nominate Rigathi Gachagua as Ruto's running mate, which he described as undemocratic.
Richard Mbui, the MP for Kathiani, suggested that Muthama might also leave UDA due to his perceived disconnection from the party's leadership, citing Muthama's absence from a recent meeting with Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua.
