I am on my own – Kabogo disowns Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition as internal wrangles escalate
Kiambu gubernatorial candidate William Kabogo has severed links with the Kenya Kwanza coalition as internal wrangles threaten unity in the Deputy President William Ruto-led camp ahead of the August polls.
During the Kiambu Governors' debate hosted by a local media station on Sunday night, the Tujibebe party leader said that a lot had changed in the past few weeks and he no longer identifies with the alliance that supports Ruto's presidential bid.
“Things change and right now I’m on my own and I’m doing fine,” Kabogo said.
The former Kiambu County governor hinted at cutting ties with the Kenya Kwanza coalition a fortnight ago citing bias and intimidation from Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
"I do not have a manifesto of any of the presidential candidates. I will be dealing with my manifesto which is to improve the lives of the people of Kiambu and make it easy to survive," the former county boss told the panellists on Sunday night.
Kabogo was among four candidates who attended the debate. Others were incumbent James Nyoro (Jubilee party), Kimani Wamatangi (UDA), Mwende Gatabaki (Safina) and Wainaina Jungle (independent).
Moses Kuria of the Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) party and a member of the Kenya Kwanza coalition skipped the debate.
Kabogo and Kuria accuse UDA of discrimination
The rift in the Kenya Kwanza coalition started when Kabogo and Kuria accused UDA of a deliberate attempt to discriminate against fringe parties eyeing the Kiambu governor seat. Kuria has, however, toed the line and has been attending Kenya Kwanza rallies.
Kabogo recently claimed that Ruto's running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, was behind the plot to sideline small parties in the coalition.
The Tujibebe boss claimed that Gachagua's tyrant-like style of leadership will cost the DP votes in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region.
“As small parties in Mount Kenya Region, we are not included in the planning of campaign activities. The campaigns also drum support for UDA only. Even the Deputy President-designate campaigns for UDA, and not Kenya Kwanza coalition,” he said.
