- The Hindu Council of Kenya, the United Asian Network – the umbrella body that brings all the Asians together, as well as the Sikh Council endorsed the Ruto administration saying they want to be part.
- The team was led by former Kesses MP Swarup Mishra who was officially welcomed to the party.
Top dogs from the Asian community on Wednesday declared their support for President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance party in a major boost to the ruling party.
The Hindu Council of Kenya, the United Asian Network – the umbrella body that brings all the Asians together, as well as the Sikh Council, endorsed the Ruto administration saying they want to be part.
The team was led by former Kesses MP Swarup Mishra who was officially welcomed to the party.
He was joined by among notable names Manoj Shah of Kingways, Vimal Kantaria – chairperson of the United Asian Network, Shravin Patel, Ashif Kassim, Bhaju Patel, Ravider Singh – chairman of the Sikh Council, Gnanshyam Pabari - chair of Hindu Council of trustees and former Parklands MCA Jayendra Malde.
The Asian community has over the years been fence-sitting on political matters in the country, this therefore being the first time they are openly declaring a political stance.
Since the assassination of Pio Gama Pinto, the group has been silent, fence-sitting and shy to take sides.
Leaders of the Asian community groupings said they were elated to be part of the “hustler movement” being the captains of the business front.
Manoj Shah who lead the caucus said UDA was the first party that has made them “feel at home” to the point they had to come out and declare their support.
“We know President Ruto has kept the promise to the people of Kenya,” he said.
The Asian community said they would support the President’s agenda, starting with the proposed taxes.
“We understand the decision you [Ruto] make on taxation measures. We support you because the economy after Covid19, war in Europe and devaluation is not the same,” he said.
He asked the President to support businesses that pay taxes.
Vimal Kantaria, the chair United Asian Network, said only Ruto has reached out to offer his support for their businesses.
“It was him who has been concerned that we have been discriminated against and are always under pressure from the city council and other authorities,” he said.
Kantaria said it was high time the Asian community was involved in the governance of the country.
“We are ready to be engaged, use our knowledge and capacity to create jobs. We are good hustlers and are now recognized as the 44th tribe,” he said.
He cited harassment by authorities, and immigration issues as among the immediate concerns they want the government to intervene on.
“We ask the President to assist members of the Asian community to get work permits. We are charged Sh400,000 yet the Chinese enjoy discounted rates,” he said.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala who received the group to the party at the headquarters said the development was a “start of a journey to bring all minority communities to the party”.
“The party is mindful of expanding opportunities for inclusion of minority community. We are going to bring on board more Bajuni, Basuba, Teso, Kuria,” he said.
Malala said the programme is to ensure minority groups participate and are represented in governance.
“This why you see top business authorities and captains of industry joining the campaign.”
He said the Asian community endorsement was welcome as theirs is “a shared dream, bonds with aspiration in UDA manifesto of job creation from basic and humble units”.
Malala urged the business community to shun the Raila Odinga-led Azimio ideologies saying they don’t support businesses.
“Our opponents are the direct opposite of our aspiration hence it wasn't difficult for the Asian community to pick a side.”
“Even when businesses were targeted they remained silent... you need to join us in silencing the opposition,” Malala said.
The UDA SG said the party’s doors were still open for those who want to “abandon the sinking MV Azimio”.