UDA makes strides in Kisii as Ruto eyes former Raila allies

Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

President William Ruto returns to Kisii on Sunday barely three weeks after he toured the region and launched infrastructure projects in South Mugirango constituency.

The Head of State is expected to attend a church function in MP Zaheer Jhanda's Nyaribari Chache constituency and later address locals.

It now remains to be seen whether Ruto's forays in the region will bear fruit for residents.

Attempts by Kenya Kwanza Alliance leaders to weaken ODM leader Raila Odinga's support in the region have not been successful.

The entry of Raila's allies in Kenya Kwanza has unsettled some leaders as political realignments take shape after the last General Election.

Although, the President has publicly declared that he is ready to accommodate all leaders regardless of their political affiliation, sources told The Standard that a silent supremacy war is simmering in Kenya Kwanza.

Among those who have joined Ruto's camp include former Kisii Governor James Ongwae and former Woman Rep Janet Ongera, who were Raila's ardent supporters.

On the flipside, the ODM leader's allies have vowed to stay put and are fighting efforts by the president to penetrate the region.

Kenya Kwanza insiders admit that raiding Raila's support base will not be a walk in the park, and they have been forced to employ new tactics to sell government agenda in the region.

Ruto, in his recent trip to the region, seemed to have stamped his authority and called for truce among his foot soldiers. He urged Gusii leaders to work as a team for the benefit of the residents.

"I am ready to work with all leaders from Kisii and Nyamira counties. I welcome all of you and will definitely consider the like-minded. Elections are over, and it is time to deliver on what we promised our people. It is not about the party we were elected on but what we are able to achieve as leaders," he said.

Mr Ongwae said he joined Ruto because of his desire to have the community achieve its goals. "We are not naive. We have made a decision, and we are moving to the grassroots to ensure that UDA has a strong footing in Gusii."

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musali Mudavadi, who accompanied Ruto to Kisii, called on young leaders to work with seasoned politicians to unite the region.

"We don't want to give room to anyone to challenge us once we have won the next General Election. We must bring in powerful people from this region and appreciate them. Some of those who have joined us have a strong following and no doubt we need those votes," said Mudavadi.

Mr Jhanda said UDA had become the party of choice in Gusii. "The competition is healthy; it is all about politics. We must not forget our people and what they elected us to do."