Africa-Press – Kenya. Twenty-eight leaders from Luo Nyanza on Monday met President William Ruto at State House over what insiders said centred on their defection to UDA.
The leaders, who included former governors, MPs, chairs of boards and aspirants in the August 9 general election, have been working with ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo for the last six months.
They say they are opposed to ODM leader Raila Odinga’s style of politics.
The leaders met with President Ruto at around 3pm and are expected to announce their defection on Tuesday at UDA headquarters, the Hustler Centre.
“These people were mobilised by ICT CS Eliud Owalo. They are all defecting to UDA tomorrow [Tuesday]. They’ll pick their certificates from UDA HQ,” an insider told the Star.
Among those present were former governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Okoth Obado (Migori) and former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa.
Others were former MPs Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda), Aloo Ogeka (Muhoroni), MP Daima Pollyins (Nyakach), their Rangwe counterpart Martin Ogindo and former nominated Senator Rose Nyamunga.
Former Police spokesman Charles Owino, former Migori MP John Pesa, his Kisumu Town West counterpart Ken Nyagudi and former EALA legislator Clarkson Karan were also present.
Others were former Nairobi Deputy Speaker Ken Obuya, ex-Kisumu Majority leader Sammy Ong’ou, former Alego Usonga MP Otieno Otieno Mak’Onyango, former Kasipul Kabondo MP Silvance Osele and ex-Awendo MP Jack Opiyo.
Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority chairman Omondi Anyanga, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency chairman Odoyo Owidi, and a host of aspirants at the August polls were also present.
The impending defections come at a time Azimio leader Raila is firing up his bases in readiness for mass action on March 20.
Raila was on Friday last week in Migori county before heading to Narok on Saturday, where he said he will unveil a list of companies to be boycotted.
“There are some companies that are being used badly. I will soon tell you to leave the services from that company and products. All that is coming,” he said.
The opposition demos are slowly picking pace as Azimio supporters in various counties took to the streets to protest the high cost of living.
Raila on Thursday last week declared the start of mass action against the Kenya Kwanza government, which he termed illegitimate.
“Take note that on the 20th of March 2023, we have a date with destiny in Nairobi. On that day our supporters throughout the country shall stage a massive procession in Nairobi for a legitimate and inclusive government. Save the date,” Raila said.
Monday’s meeting could be President Ruto’s strategy to woo some of Raila’s foot soldiers in his home turf and weaken the effects of the street protests.
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