UDA Vice-Chair Kipruto Kirwa Resigns, Ditches Ruto for Raila

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Vice-Chairperson Kipruto Arap Kirwa has decamped to the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition ahead of the August 9th elections.

Kirwa, a former Cabinet Minister, announced his resignation from the Deputy President William Ruto-led party during an Azimio political rally at Sirisia Market in Bungoma County on Sunday.

“I Kipruto Arap Kirwa have resigned as UDA vice-chairman. From the moment our team unveiled the running mate last week, I knew that democracy would be suppressed if they get into power. I waited for Raila to announce his deputy because I cannot stay somewhere democracy is threatened,” Kirwa said.

He added: “It reached a point to think of what next and for those 13 days, I have been thinking how will I continue to be in a team where democracy is going to be sacrificed at the cross. I called Karua yesterday and told her to take me to Baba’s side.”

Kirwa was received by Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential flagbearer Raila Odinga and his running Martha Karua, who described him as a hardworking leader who demonstrated his commitment to change Kenya when he was the minister of Agriculture during Mwai Kibaki's government.

"When you Kirwa, with me and Raila Odinga, just know that we are hardworking people and we've demonstrated when we held leadership positions. Raila participated in building roads in this country. When you see high-flying roads in Kenyan towns, just know they are the products of Engineer Raila Amolo Odinga," Karua said.