Kinyanjui’s party faces test as key allies quit
Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui’s new political outfit, Ubuntu People’s Forum (UPF), is embroiled in its first political test after some of his key associates left for the United Democratic Alliance, which is gaining currency in the region.
Executive Committee Member for Finance Peter Ketyenya has declared that he will vie for Kuresoi South parliamentary seat on the UDA ticket, dealing a blow to the yet to be launched outfit.
While Kinyanjui has, on various occasions, intimated that UPF is going to revolutionise politics in the country by giving it a human face, some members of his Cabinet eyeing various seats think otherwise.
Upon being asked why he chose UDA and not UPF, the party of his boss, Ketyenya said he had no other option but “obey the ground” noting that majority of his constituents were “Hustlers” and supporters of Deputy President William Ruto.
“There is no option. You have to listen to the ground,” Ketyenya said.
Ketyenya’s counterpart Raymond Komen (Trade) who is angling to run for the Rongai parliamentary seat is also keen to contest on a UDA ticket.
Deputy President William Ruto has been popularising UDA across the country in the last couple of months.
On the other hand, Kinyanjui has thrown his weight behind ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Although he has declared that he is going to defend his seat, reports abound that Kinyanjui is one of the figures being considered by Raila for the running mate position in the August 9 presidential election.
“You cannot stop people from talking and by the way it is good when people say good things about you.
One thing for sure is that I have never said it and if I have something to say, I will say it,” Kinyanjui said in a recent interview with Kass TV.
