Africa-Press – Kenya. It was not easy for seasoned politicians allied with former President Uhuru Kenyatta to come to terms with the defeat by Kenya Kwanza candidates in the August 9 elections.
Some are still reeling from the shock of their loss and that of their coalition’s presidential candidate, long-serving opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Big names affiliated with Uhuru’s Jubilee party were humbled by the UDA wave in Mt Kenya including former National Assembly Majority leader Amos Kimunya, Director of Elections Kanini Kega and party secretary general Jeremiah Kioni.
Kimunya lost his Kipipiri seat while Kega was beaten in the Kieni seat race while Kioni was defeated in Ndaragwa.
“The people made their decision, which was different from our expectations but in a democracy, the will of the people prevails,” Kimunya said.
Most of Uhuru’s allies believed it was Raila’s moment to win the coveted seat.
A 2018 truce between Uhuru and Raila was seen as a chance for the former Prime Minister to finally find success in his career.
Opinion polls predicted a win for Raila and some government officials said intelligence showed the Azimio candidate was headed for victory.
Ruto garnered over 80 per cent of Mt Kenya votes and his United Democratic Alliance swept nearly all elective seats.
Kioni claimed Azimio was defeated in Mt Kenya through an elaborate conspiracy by the Ruto team.
Pundits however said Ruto was able to effectively establish a narrative portraying him as an economic saviour.
He styled himself as a “hustler” who had the interest of the common Kenyan at heart.
According to some, Raila based his campaign strongly on the political support of Uhuru.
“Even though his election pledges also sought to tackle social and economic disparities, his association with Uhuru cost him his reputation as an opposition candidate,” political analyst Joseph Mutua said.
Other Jubilee big shots that fell were Priscilla Nyokabi and Kabando wa Kabando both of whom were vying for the Nyeri senate seat.
Former Nyeri senator Ephraim Maina also lost to Mutahi Kahiga as was Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, who was a die-hard of the ruling party.
Francis Kimemia lost his Nyandarua governor seat and Laikipia’s Nderitu Muriithi.
In Nairobi, UDA’s Johnson Sakaja won the governor seat beating his main rival Polycarp Igathe of Jubilee.
After the elections, some allies of Uhuru and Raila changed their tune and declared their support for Ruto.
Cotu secretary general Francis Atwoli, who has been a fierce critic of Ruto, has since pledged to support him.
Other leaders who have warmed up to Ruto include former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi, former Lugari MP Ayub Savula who is also the Kakamega deputy governor, former Tiaty MP William Kamket, former Kisii governor James Ongwae, business mogul Peter Munga, who is also the Mt Kenya Foundation Chairman, and members of the Gema Council of Elders.
Atwoli has gone on record asking Kenyans, including those who were supporting Raila, to move on and support Ruto’s government for the country to forge ahead.
Ruto received defectors starting with the former Raila’s point man in northern Kenya Ali Roba, the party leader of the United Democratic Movement and Mandera senator.
Roba moved with other leaders elected on the UDM party ticket, among them Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali, Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif, Mandera deputy governor Ali Maalim and Wajir Senator Abbas Sheikh.
Source: The Star
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