Kiraitu Murungi's DEP party joins William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza

Kiraitu as recent as June this year attracted criticism for "imposing" Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on residents of Meru County.

The long-serving politician would defend his words, asking voters in Meru region to support a presidential candidate of their choice.

"I have my right as Kiraitu Murungi to decide who I will vote for. My wife and I will be for Raila Odinga. But I haven't told you to go and vote for Raila. Vote for who you want," said Kiraitu in June 2022, just days before the August 9 polls.

Ruto received Kiraitu to his camp in the company of deputy president-elect Rigathi Gachagua, Ford-K leader Moses Wetangula, Aden Duale, Salim Mvurya, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and former Meru Senator Mithika Linturi.