Speculations follow Wamatangi defection
The surprise defection of Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaves many answered questions and speculation over his political future.
The Senate Majority Whip was hitherto regarded by many as one of the strongest supporters and defenders of the ruling Jubilee Party and its leader President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Sunday move to embrace Deputy President William Ruto came as a total surprise to many.
Wamatangi defected during a UDA rally at the Thika stadium in which he said he would campaign for Ruto to be Kenya’s fifth President.
The Senator who has shown interest in the Kiambu governorship appears to have waded into strange waters where he will face a stiff challenge from his competitors for the seat on the same party.
“My decision was not by chance, but a well-calculated move informed by wide consultations with the people, including small scale traders and members of the clergy who told me UDA is our new home,” said Senator Wamatangi.
He has previously emerged as one of President Kenyatta’s key lieutenants and was said to be instrumental in the removal of former Senate Chief Whips Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka Nithi) and his successor (Irungu Kang’ata).
Following his defection, it is only a matter of time before he is replaced as the Senate Majority Whip.
Addressing the Thika rally, Wamatangi dismissed the notion that the UDA leadership had no agenda and were driven by acts of violence and mayhem.
“We shall sell our bottom-up agenda to the Kenyan people and I am sure they will elect Ruto as the fifth President,” he said.
In the battle for the UDA ticket, Wamatangi will face former Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Kiambu County Assembly Speaker Stephen Ndicho and Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina ‘Jungle’ who are also in the Hustlers party.
During the Thika meeting, former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo and Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria also announced they have joined the Ruto-led Kenya Kwanza despite both previously having expressed their reluctance to join the coalition.
