Trouble in UDA as Governor Kahiga Issues Warning to Ruto's Party

Trouble seems to be brewing in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as a section of members cite underhand machinations against them.  

Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri implies there could be a plan to have politicians from Mt Kenya sidelined in the political outfit.

Basing his argument on the recent election of EALA MPs in both houses of parliament, the county boss suggested the Mt Kenya faction of the larger UDA party was being frustrated to the advantage of the rivaling wing in the party.

This, he suggested, could have a bearing on the oncoming general election.

Speaking on Friday, November 18, during the swearing-in of the Nyeri CECs, Kahiga said the faction would continue rallying behind their fellows with whom they share the same regional extraction.

If need be, he indirectly said, Mt Kenya would stage a walkout and cut the ties with their partners in the President William Ruto-led party.

He used the failed marriage analogy to stress his point.

"I have to comment on national politics. We keenly followed what was happening in parliament during the election of EALA MPs. We saw how things went down and we would like to say that we can partner, and if we are not needed, we can as well bow out. 

"We are not married by anyone who might think they have the right to downplay us. We saw that there are people trying to shortchange us. We vowed to work together but some people are against that. That is why we elected Kanini Kega, and we will continue electing our own," the governor added. 

The former Kieni MP got a lifeline in the National Assembly after his bid for EALA flopped in the Senate where he garnered 29 votes.

Mt Kenya leaders believe his failure in the Senate was a calculated plot despite efforts by the region's leaders to unite behind him.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also divulged that he had a hand in the victory of Kega on Thursday.

Addressing a funeral in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County, the DP said he did so because the time for politics is over.

"I spoke to the leaders from the mountain, I told them this Kanini Kega who was insulting me and President William Ruto (but) they should just vote for him," Gachagua said.

"Did they or did they not vote for him?" he asked. "That's the new Kenya we want," he added.

Kega was nominated by the Jubilee party to EALA. He will represent the Azimio coalition that was handed four slots. Other are Suleiman Shahbal, Winnie Odinga and Kennedy Kalonzo.

Kega scored 197 votes to be elected one of the four EALA MPs from the Azimio camp.