Embu Senator ditches UDA, cites irregularities in party’s nominations
Embu Senator Njeru Ndwiga has ditched United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, days after failing to clinch the party's ticket in the ongoing nominations.
Following his move, Ndwiga who addressed the press in Embu town said that he will now seek to defend his seat in the Senate in the August poll on an independent ticket.
He said that his decision to run on an independent ticket was informed by alleged irregularities that took place during the UDA nomination process that saw him miss the party's ticket.
"I have never seen such nominations in my life. There was a lot of voter bribery. The voters were being given money as they lined up to vote. We cannot accept this," he said.
The first-term senator said he doesn't believe in the results of the nominations and expressed confidence that he will win the seat as an independent candidate.
His statement comes after he was beaten by Embu Deputy Governor David Kariuki who secured 27,915 votes against his 19,062 votes in the UDA party nominations.
On whether he regrets moving from Jubilee to UDA following the disputed nomination results, the lawmaker said that he has no regret ditching the ruling party.
He said that his decision to join UDA was informed by the party's popularity among his constituents.
"Residents of Embu withdrew their support from Jubilee Party a long time ago and there is no way I would have remained where my people don't like," Ndwiga said.
