UDM Party Signs a Post-Election Coalition Pact with Ruto's Kenya Kwanza

United Democratic Movement (UDM) party has formally signed a post-election pact with president-elect William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

The deal was signed at a ceremony held at the deputy president’s official residence in Karen on Saturday.

“We officially welcome United Democratic Movement (UDM) to the Kenya Kwanza coalition. We believe in freedom of association. Our plan to uplift the lives of ordinary Kenyans is getting more support,” said Ruto.

Marsabit Governor-elect Muhammud Ali said the party and its leadership decided to join Kenya Kwanza as they want to be part of the alliance that forms the next government.

“We found ourselves in very unfamiliar territory and we thank God that has ended very fast and we are now back in UDM,” he said.

UDM party bagged seven MPs seats, two senators, two governors and 35 MCAs in the just-concluded general election and was part of the over 20 parties affiliated to the Raila Odinga-led Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition.

Speaking during the ceremony, former Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki dismissed claims that Ruto was engaging in illegalities by wooing parties that had signed pre-election agreements with the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition.

“I want to say without any fear of contradiction that the fundamental right to freedom of association is unhindered, We have scrutinized the law and the post-election agreements that we are engaging in are legally sound,” Kindiki said.

Earlier, Ruto hosted a group of MPs who were elected on independent tickets in the August 9th election including Joshua Mbithi (Masinga), Njoroge Elijah (Gatundu North), Caroline Ngelechei (Elgeyo Markwet), Rahim Dawood (Imenti North), Timothy Kipchumba (Markwet West), Ntutu Kitilai (Narok South), and Monica Muthoni (Lamu Woman Rep.)

Ruto said that implementing the Bottom-Up Economic agenda will require a bi-partisan approach in legislation.

“It is because of this that we are grateful to MPs elected on Independent tickets who have committed to work with Kenya Kwanza,” Ruto said.