Kirwa, who served as UDA vice-chair, announced his departure on May 29 after the party selected Rigathi Gachagua as its presidential running mate. He joined the Azimio coalition, where he was welcomed by Raila Odinga and Martha Karua in Bungoma county.
Atwoli stated, "Kipruto Arap Kirwa is just a beginning. Watch political dynamism in two months to come." The COTU leader emphasized the significance of the defection as a potential indicator of shifting alliances in Kenyan politics.
Kirwa cited a lack of internal democracy within UDA as his reason for leaving, saying he could no longer support a party where "democracy was going to be stifled." His decision followed years of political maneuvering, including a 2017 role in the Amani National Congress (ANC) under Musalia Mudavadi.
The defection highlights growing tensions within Ruto’s coalition ahead of the 2022 elections, with Kirwa’s move to Azimio potentially reshaping the political landscape in western Kenya.
Source: https://www.nairobileo.co.ke/
