Blow to Raila as Lempurkel quits ODM, joins Ruto's UDA

Former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel has quit Raila Odinga's ODM party less than four months after the August general elections.

Lempurkel, who is a close ally of Raila, said his decision to leave the party was because he did not make it to East Africa Legislative Assembly nominees list.

He made the remarks after attending the graduation ceremony for Ita ole Kiok at Entiani area of Mau Narok region in Narok county.

The event was attended by Narok South MP Kitilai ole Ntutu and Livestock PS Harry Kimutai.

“I was disappointed by Raila’s move to nominate his daughter Winnie instead of me. I have stood with him for a long time. He had assured me during the campaign period that one of the EALA slots will be given to me,” said Lempurkel.

He noted that he has now joined the UDA party and regretted not voting for President William Ruto in the last polls.

“What Ruto has done to the Maa nation is unbelievable,” he said.

Lempurkel stressed that Raila is a dishonest leader who cannot be trusted at the helm of this country's leadership.

The former legislator said that the appointments of key people from the Maa nation in the Kenya Kwanza administration are a clear indication that Ruto values the community.

“The Maa nation is contended with the appointment of a cabinet secretary, two Principal secretaries, State House comptroller and other appointments. This has made me change my mind and shift political allegiance to the head of state because, at the end of the day, it is service delivery to the people, not politics,” said Lempurkel.

He vowed to mobilise all the leaders from the community to rally behind the president and his administration so that he can accomplish the agenda he had for this country.

The controversial leader lauded the move taken by former Narok North MP Moitalel ole Kenta to drop his petition challenging Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu’s win in the August polls.

On his part, Ntutu, who received Lempurkel from ODM to the ruling coalition, said the Kenya Kwanza administration will work for all the people regardless of their political affiliations.

“You are welcome to join us. We will ensure that all the people join the new administration,” said Ntutu.

Ntutu said he is planning an appointment with the head of state, Lempurkel and his supporters from the five Maa regions so that he can officially join the new team.

During the meeting, the locals who supported Raila in the last elections vowed to dump him and support Ruto’s administration.