Governor Roba dismisses party linked to Ruto’s UDA
Mandera Governor Ali Roba has distanced himself from claims that he acquired the United Democratic Movement (UDM) to enable him negotiate for a high-ranking position in the next government.
The governor said UDM which is now under his stewardship is a political vehicle that will give the people of northern Kenya and other disadvantaged communities across the country a voice and a sense of belonging.
“Many people think that now since I am serving my last term as governor my plan of forming this party is for me to negotiate and bid for a seat at the national level,” Roba said during a fundraiser in aid of the party at Serena Hotel on Sunday.
Roba also disputed claims that UDM, once associated with Deputy President William Ruto is an affiliate of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
“I want to make it clear that UDM is not an affiliate of UDA or ODM, we have not made any decision to back anyone; we are still consulting and organising ourselves,” he said.
The Mandera county chief disclosed that as members of the Jubilee Party, they were working with President Uhuru Kenyatta and his ‘handshake’ partner ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“Tunajipanga sababu usipo jipanga its obvious utapangwa, we don’t have to be invited anyhow, we will engage when time is ripe,” he said.
Roba said his party will not field a presidential aspirant but we have candidates in all elective seats.
Marsabit governor Mohamed Mahamud said that as a party they will not field a presidential candidate but will be negotiating with other parties and those that are willing to work with them as partners.
“We want to invite every Kenyan and every son and daughter of the northern Kenya that we now have a regional party that will provide for us a table for negotiation at the national level with others,” said governor Mohamud, who is deputy party leader.
During the fundraiser, the party raised Sh34.8 million with Sh9.44 million raised by the party officials and executives.
Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, who was the chief guest at the event noted through UDM, the pastoralist communities would have a place to discuss their issues.
