Gideon Moi-led KANU and Isaac Rutto-led Chama cha Mashinani(CCM) parties are making gains as fallouts emerge in President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee over increased suspicions pitting Deputy President William Ruto allied team Tanga Tanga and Kieleweke, which has been opposed to early 2022 campaigns.
The latest fallouts have emerged in Dr Ruto’s North Rift political stable even as he intensifies his popularity hunt seeking to succeed President Kenyatta in 2022.
Leaders bolting out blame a clique of “cartels” surrounding the DP for their exodus. They have warned that more leaders will exit the Jubilee Party if he does not reign them in.
The DP’s allies, however, dismiss any allegations of frustrating leaders, saying those seeking to join Kieleweke team should not use “non-existent excuses”.
At the weekend, businessman cum politician Zedekiah Kiprop alias Buzeki formally announced that he would be joining former Bomet Governor’s CCM after hosting several supporters at his Ainabkoi home.
He joins Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, who recently announced that he would work with Baringo Senator and Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi because of the latter’s tolerant and accommodating demeanor.
Mr Tolgos said he did not regret his close association with Senator Moi and urged people not to panic over his move. He said he could not be intimidated since he was an elected leader.
Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat yesterday told a local daily that insults fired back and forth by leaders would not solve anything but aggravate the challenges facing the electorate.
“As Kanu, we are ready to welcome all those joining us and work with us. As we speak now, we are in a strategy meeting on how we shall ensure the party offers alternative leadership away from the nauseating insults the public is treated to,” he was quoted.
He added that Kanu would remain the party of choice for many because it was not held by individuals but espouses nationalistic ideals of peace, love and unity.
Mr Buzeki said sustained attacks against his Uasin Gishu gubernatorial bid by Ruto’s allies had made him look elsewhere for associates with whom he shared ideologies.