- Khaniri decamped to UDP-K with a host of MCAs from Vihiga County
- Senator had kept his supporters guessing on his next move after vowing that he would not follow Mudavadi to Deputy President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Image: ALLAN KISI A
Vihiga Senator George Khaniri has now joined the United Democratic Party of Kenya, a month after announcing he had parted ways with ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi.
The ANC -elected senator had kept his supporters guessing on his next move after vowing that he would not follow Mudavadi to Deputy President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Khaniri further announced that he will vie for the Vihiga governor seat on the UDP-K party ticket.
Party leader Cyrus Jirongo received Khaniri and a host of ANC and Ford Kenya MCAs who had joined the outfit.
Khaniri said it was not an easy decision to ditch ANC for another party having worked with Mudavadi for many years.
“Mudavadi ran away with the party and went with it to a place we cannot follow him. We cannot join the very people who are making Kenyans go through hard economic times,” he said.
“Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga is best suited to move this country forward and it is for that reason we are fully behind him.”
Khaniri said he was confident he would deliver the majority of seats in Vihiga.
“Our brother acted for their personal interests," he said.
"After holding town hall meetings in Vihiga, it became clear that most residents want a political course that will guarantee them a stake in the next government.”
Jirongo disclosed that he has been having discussions with Khaniri for weeks on the political direction of the Western region.
“I want to assure Khaniri that he has made the right move. You made a wise decision to follow leaders who know what is right for the country and you should be applauded,” he said.
Khaniri had earlier indicated that he will work with a party that is in Azimio la Umoja under the leadership of Raila.
“We have supported this man for many years, but this time we are sure he is going to get that seat in this forthcoming general election,” Khaniri said during a church service in Sabatia Muholera PAG on February 15.
“As Vihiga people, let's rally behind Raila Odinga and support him. Once he gets it, we shall also be able to pick it from him.”
The lawmaker urged residents to remain vigilant and cast their vote where power is heading.
Khaniri is among a host of MPs who have defected from ANC. Some ditched the party after Mudavadi declared he will work with DP Ruto during their NDC at Bomas.
Among those who defected are Godfrey Osotsi (nominated), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Oscar Nabulindo (Matungu), Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero) and Ayub Savula (Lugari).
The exodus in ANC has been attributed to Mudavadi’s failure to consult stakeholders within Western and the ANC party at large.
(Edited by Francis Wadegu)