Johnstone Muthama doesn’t own UDA – party dismisses Moses Kuria’s remarks on its ownership
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has dismissed remarks by the Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria regarding its ownership and other issues surrounding its operations.
In a press statement released by secretary general Veronica Maina, UDA has downplayed Kuria’s assertion that former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama owns it.
UDA, which is linked to Deputy President William Ruto and his allies, says it is owned by the hustlers.
“We wish to state categorically that UDA is neither Hon Johnstone Muthama's party nor it is managed by sitting MPs. On the Contrary, UDA is the Hustler's party,” the statement read.
The clarification comes hours after Kuria wrote on his social media pages that Muthama, who is also the party chairman, owns UDA.
“Whereas PEP is driven by our ordinary men and women, mostly the youth, our sister party UDA is largely driven by my colleagues the incumbent MPs whom I respect a lot. Both complement each other,” Kuria said in a statement.
The Wheelbarrow party also trashed Kuria’s remarks that former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara owns PDP that is affiliated with UDA.
According to Maina's statement, Magara is a full member of UDA.
She further says UDA is in consultation with Former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri, party leader TSP, on forging a united course politically ahead of 2020.
“In the spirit of Hustler Nation, Omingo Magara has left PDP and joined the UDA. In the same vein. Hon Mwangi Kiunjuri of The Service Party has been consulting with UDA on a united approach in the fielding of candidates and other Hustler Nation activities,” UDA secretary general said.
The apparent controversy comes in the back of a standoff that was fueled by Kuria’s intention to field a candidate in the Kiambaa by-election where UDA has unveiled its flagbearer.
With the two camps belonging to the larger self-christened hustler nation, the move could have split their votes giving the ruling Jubilee party an edge.
It is on that ground that Kuria was forced to withdraw his party candidacy and support UDA after consultation with the DP Ruto.
“I held extensive discussions with my boss and friend DP Ruto on this matter. To make my two colleagues happy and above all for the unity of the Hustler Nation, PEP will NOT be fielding a candidate for the Kiambaa by-election,” Kuria said.
UDA however says PEP reciprocated its gesture of not fielding a candidate in Juja to allow for Kuria’s party to compete favourably against Jubilee
