Moses Kuria-led People's Empowerment Party (PEP) has withdrawn its candidature from the Kiambaa Constituency by-election in favour of sister party, UDA.
This comes after the two parties declared interest in the seat, sparking allegations of a rift within Deputy President William Ruto's Hustler Nation camp.
Taking to social media on the morning of Monday, May 24, 2021, the Gatundu South member of parliament stated that the decision to step down was informed by a consultative meeting between him and the DP.
Kuria reiterated that PEP, along with the Johnson Muthama-led UDA, Mwangi Kiunjuri-led TSP and Omingo Magara-led PDP are members of the Hustler Nation and are determine to take the country forward, together.
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He indicated that PEP was determined to repeat the Gaturi Ward and Juja Constituency feats on July 15, 2021, in Kiambaa, however, noted that this did not resonate well with other members of the Hustler Nation, particularly Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa.
"Yesterday I held extensive discussions with my boss and friend H.E Dr William Ruto on this matter. To make my two colleagues happy and above all for the unity of the Hustler Nation, PEP will NOT be fielding a candidate for the Kiambaa by election," Kuria stated.
" I take this opportunity to offer my profuse apologies to Hon Raymond Kuria, the people of Kiambaa and all PEP members who undoubtedly will be disappointed with this decision.
"The good news is we will now focus on a nationwide tour to meet candidates who will be vying for various seats in next year's General Elections on PEP ticket. God bless PEP, God bless The Hustler Nation, God bless Kenya," he said.
Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata praised Kuria's actions, describing him as, "an astute politician in Hustler Nation."
"Moses Kuria, a master strategician, is a ranking member of Tanga Tanga. By his two wins in Juja and Gaturi, he has eclipsed pretenders to DP throne in Hustler Nation, at least from my own perspective. Happy that he has agreed to look at the wider picture in Kiambaa," Kang'ata stated.
