Kimani Ngunjiri, a former Member of Parliament representing Bahati, has recently announced his departure from the United Democratic Party (UDA) citing disagreements over the distribution of positions within the party.
In an interview with Spice FM on April 3, 2024, Ngunjiri, a prominent ally of President Ruto, expressed his continued support for the President while distancing himself from UDA. He made it clear that he would no longer be associated with the party, stating, “I want to make it unequivocally clear to the media and everyone in Kenya, I am no longer affiliated with UDA. I will not be seen wearing their yellow colors again.”
Ngunjiri further stated his intention to explore other political options, including joining another party or running as an independent candidate. He criticized the Kenya Kwanza Alliance for neglecting loyal supporters who had contributed to the party’s growth, alleging that positions were being offered to individuals who hadn’t actively supported the party. “Despite my significant sacrifices for UDA, I was overlooked when it came to positions within the party. It’s disheartening,” Ngunjiri lamented.
Expressing his disillusionment with UDA, Ngunjiri emphasized that he would not seek reelection under the party’s banner due to the lack of acknowledgment and appreciation for his efforts. “I refuse to engage in discussions regarding UDA. I am no longer associated with them,” he asserted.
Providing an example from Nakuru County, Ngunjiri highlighted the preferential treatment given to certain individuals, including the nomination of seven family members, while his constituents were overlooked. Drawing from his extensive experience in politics, he emphasized the importance of fair representation and inclusivity in leadership.
It’s worth noting that Ngunjiri previously lost his parliamentary seat to his Jubilee counterpart Irene Njoki in the 2022 general elections. Despite this setback, he was among the 50 individuals nominated as Chief Administrative Secretaries by President William Ruto, although their assumption of office was barred by the courts.
