MPs make last-minute defections

By Vitalis Kimutai

KENYA: Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat has revealed that two sitting MPs — Hellen Sambili (Mogotio) and Stanley Githunguri (Kiambaa) — had since registered with the party seeking its ticket to defend their seats in the next poll.

“Apart from Sambili and Githunguri, we have former MPs John Koech, Moses Cheboi and former Permanent Secretary Prof John Lonyangapuo among others,” Salat said.

Salat said, “Kanu has attracted leaders with huge following at the grassroots who will surely triumph in the next General Election,” Salat said.

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi and Salat will contest the Senate positions in Baringo and Bomet counties respectively.

Abraham Limo, the UDF Director and chairman of National Elections Board said Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi would be leading a high number of MPs and civic leaders from across the country in formally defecting to the party.

“The ground is going to shift in favour of UDF as many Cabinet ministers, assistant ministers, MPs, councillors and party officials are set to join as they seek to defend their positions or seek new ones in the election,” Limo said.

Highest number

He pointed out that Cabinet ministers Soita Shitanda, George Khaniri, MPs Yusuf Chanzu, Justus Kizito and Jeremiah Kioni are among those who are set to defect to UDF among other high profile leaders.

Mr William Ruto is expected to lead a number of Cabinet ministers including Samuel Poghisio, Chirau Mwakwere, Kazungu Kambi, Asman Kamama, William Cheptumo, MPs Ekwe Ethuro, Aden Duale, Gideon Konchellah, Chachu Ganya to his United Republican Party (URP).

“The highest number of Cabinet ministers, MPs, former senior civil servants and grassroots leaders are set to decamp to URP in the next one week after formally writing to their respective parties of the move,” Duale who is the URP spokesman said.