A section of Asian community members on Wednesday trooped to the ruling party with demands.
In 2017, the community was officially recognised as Kenya's 44th tribe. They are also best known as gifted entrepreneurs.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala on Wednesday received their representatives at the Hustler Plaza in Nairobi where they pledged their support for President William Ruto's government.
The group led by former Kesses MP Mishra Kiprop, who jumped ship from Jubilee Party, said they want their businesses protected and treated equally. They complained of discrimination in among others seeking business permits. The community which comprises the Asian community network, the Sikh Council of Kenya and the Patel community also want to be involved in decision-making at the highest levels of government.
"What we need is a platform where we can come together as a think-tank and deliberate on difficult topics,'' said Ravis Singh, chair of the Sikh Council of Kenya.
He added, "We have been sitting on the bench for too long and we are reaching out to say that we need to be involved in leadership of the country."
Malala said: "I appreciate that among you are some of the country's top business moguls and captains of the industries in diverse sectors.
Mishra said he decided to join UDA after self-reflection. "I chose the wrong direction, the wrong party and the wrong people but today I am back where I belong. God sent me here with a lot of forgiveness and blessings," he said.
