Deputy President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza suffered a blow after more than 150 officials and members from affiliate parties in North Rift defected to Azimio.
Most of the officials who defected on Monday were from Musalia Mudavadi's ANC .They were led by chairman of the Uasin Gishu branch Saina Nechu.
Former Eldoret South MP David Koros and more than more than 30 grassroots UDA activists also defected to the Azimio side led by presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
The defectors were received at the Azimio Centre in Eldoret by the movement’s chief campaigner in the region Sally Kosgey, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos and ODM politician Kipkorir Menjo.
Kosgey, who was a minister and secretary to the Cabinet under the Moi regime, said the defectors were influential individuals who will mobilise support for Raila.
“They have seen quite early the race is as good as won by Raila Odinga and that is why they decided to join the winning side," Kosgey said.
She expressed confidence that Raila would form the next government.
Saina said they had decided to abandon ANC, accusing Mudavadi of playing selfish politics by joining the Ruto camp without proper consultation.
He said they were surprised by Mudavadi’s decision to join Ruto without involving party officials and members.
“As a party leader, Mudavadi should have involved all officials and members in reaching a decision to join Kenya Kwanza," Saina said.
He said since Mudavadi shifted, he haS not explained his decision to party members.
“We have, therefore, concluded the best side to join is Azimio because we know Odinga has had the interests of this country in his heart for quite some time. He is the one who is fit to lead," Saina said.
Koros said Raila will get many votes in the Rift Valley, which is Ruto's backyard.
He said his experience in UDA was that its leaders are power-hungry individuals only interested in selfish benefits.
“We have worked with many of those in UDA and I can tell Kenyans that only Odinga is fit to take this country to a higher level in development.
"After all, he is the one who fought for the democratic space we enjoy and has the capacity to fight corruption," Koros said.
The Raila campaign team has set up the Azimio Centre in the region to coordinate campaigns for Raila.
Tolgos said Raila and running mate Martha Karua would soon hold major rallies in Eldoret and other parts of the North Rift.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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