Chama Cha Kazi; a party founded by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria is set to clash with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party associated with Deputy President William Ruto in the upcoming Kiagu ward by-election in Meru County.
Kuria’s party has fronted Milton Mwenda Kabobo for the seat while UDA has cleared Simon Kambi to fly the party’s flag.
On Thursday, Kabobo was cleared by IEBC to contest for the seat, with Kuria noting that his party has officially started setting its foundation in the region and across the country.
“It was a day of great joy yesterday as the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cleared the first-ever candidate on a Chama Cha Kazi ticket Milton Mwenda Kabobo to vie for the Kiagu MCA seat in Imenti Central, Meru County during the October 14th 2021 by-elections. Meli imeng'oa nanga,” he said.
It worth noting that Kuria subscribes to the Hustler Nation ideology, and has been a close ally of DP Ruto; who has close links to the UDA party.
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If none of the candidates step down, this will be the first time two parties under the Hustler Nation faceoff against each other.
UDA's Simon Kambi receiving his nomination certificate for the Kiagu Ward by-election. [Photo: Courtesy]
A similar situation was looming in the recent Kiambaa by-election, but Kuria’s party withdrew its candidate opting to support UDA’s Njuguna Wanjiku who eventually won.
Meanwhile, there has been friction between Kuria and a section Hustler Nation leaders who accused him of being a state mole. The tension was brought about by Kuria’s recent pronouncement regarding the future of Mount Kenya region after 2022.
Responding to his critics, Kuria noted that he is still in Hustler Nation, adding that owning a party does not mean that his loyalty has shifted.
“It is my horror and shock to get the kind condemnation and criticism I’m getting from people within the UDA … I’m a founder member of Hustler Nation, I’m still a believer of William Ruto and I feel like William Ruto has asked me for a date, I should come for the date in the outfit that I prefer, not the outfit that he prefers, if that is a crime, so be it,” he said.
All eyes are now on the upcoming Kiagu by-election as it is critical for the unity of the Hustler Nation.
