Maendeleo Chap Chap Secretary General Stephen Kilonzo has announced his defection to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
Kilonzo is the latest politician to join the party associated with Deputy President William Ruto after a number of other leaders from several parties including the ruling party, Jubilee.
In an interview with a local daily, Kilonzo, who is eyeing the Kitui senatorial seat in the 2022 General Election, disclosed that UDA is more accommodative.
He said he is yet to officially communicate with the party leadership on his move.
“I consulted widely and negotiated with UDA top officials. I find the party accommodative. It is now my new home on whose ticket I will seek the senatorial seat,” Kilonzo told The Star.
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According to Kilonzo, one of the reasons why he had to ditch the Alfred Mutua-led party is because it doesn’t have a plan of fielding a presidential candidate in 2022. He said he found UDA to be more influential under the leadership of Ruto who has already started campaigns for his presidential bid.
“In 2017, I ran on a party that did not have a presidential candidate who I could sell to help me implement my promises,” Kilonzo said.
“I am now more at home because I will run on UDA that has a formidable presidential candidate in DP William Ruto.”
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Kilonzo unsuccessfully contested for the Kitui senatorial seat in 2017. He came second after incumbent Enoch Wambua of Wiper party.
Other aspirants who hope to unseat Wambua include Mutua’s close associate lawyer Fred Nyamu, entrepreneur Muinde Mutuka and Nairobi businessman Allan Sila.
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