This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
Gertrude Mbeyu, the Kilifi Women Representative, has made a dramatic return to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, citing her desire to support the party's leader, Raila Odinga.
Her decision comes after being ousted from Deputy President William Ruto's team by Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa, who reportedly told her that she had no impact in Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.
According to sources, Jumwa allegedly stated that if Mbeyu had any votes, they would not be enough to secure Ruto's victory in the presidential race.
Gertrude Mbeyu has announced her intention to render full support to the ODM party candidate in the upcoming Ganda Ward by-elections, which were necessitated by the nullification of the previous election results.
Reuben Katana, a close ally of Aisha Jumwa, will be the ODM party's flag bearer in the by-elections, while Abdul Omar, another ally of Jumwa, will be vying as an independent candidate.
Gertrude Mbeyu has also expressed her support for the 'Handshake' between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, and has vowed to ensure that the ODM candidate emerges victorious in the Ganda by-elections.
