Kenya Kwanza alliance targeting poll losers, independents in vote hunt in Mt Kenya

The Kenya Kwanza team led by Deputy President William Ruto has designed multipronged campaign strategies meant to tighten their grip on established strongholds.

The team has also established a series of campaign trails across the region that is likely to provide swing votes.

Among the Counties they are banking on includes Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi and Embu as well as Murang’a.

The coalition is currently recruiting volunteers to join its “adopt a polling station” campaign, who will keep vigil at polling stations on voting day and protects the coalition votes.

The strategy was widely used in the Kiambaa constituency during the recent by-election by Kiriri Njama (Jubilee) and Kawanjiku( UDA) where it effectively worked.

Already they have constituted a strong team from the Mount Kenya region that has been reaching out to poll losers in the Jubilee party as well as independent candidates.

Among those tasked to reach out to candidates includes Moses Kuria (Gatundu South) Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira), Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu) Alice Wahome (Kandara), Edward Muriu (aspirant Gatanga), Kimani Ichungwa (Kikuyu).

Others include Former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, Kimani Wamatangi as well as Ferdinand Waititu among others.

Speaking , UDA legal secretary and Gatanga parliamentary aspirant Edward Muriu said that last week alongside Ndindi Nyoro, Irungu Kangata, Joe Nyutu, and Maragua MP Mary Wamaua held a meeting with Jubilee poll losers, independent candidates at Thika Greens.

Muriu said that the party has been very aggressive in reaching out to various supporters to enrich Ruto’s ground base.

 “We have been tasked by our party leader to reach out to all aspirants either independents or those who lost in Jubilee nominations and we are happy that we are yielding results, “he said.

Muriu said that the Kenya Kwanza is not only reaching out to aspirants and losers but also those in Kenya Kwanza who aren’t treated with the respect they deserve.

“We held our first meeting last week at Thika green and we managed to host Jubilee aspirants like Kimani Mumbi (Formerly Jubilee) and others and the trend is being done in other Counties in Mount Kenya, “he said.

Kiambu senatorial aspirant Karungo Thangwa has said that Kenya Kwanza Alliance is growing stronger by the day.

He said that the outfit is the most transparent among others and Kenyans should accord Ruto’s support in support as he stood with the Mount Kenya region in time of need both in 2013 and 2017.

“The team is trying to reach out to aspirants who are vying as independents as well as those in other coalitions,” Karungo said.

Several sources have hinted that numerous meetings have been held across the region and some of the independent aspirants have stepped down in favor of UDA candidates.

Deputy President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza team have over the past few weeks concentrated on what the coalition is calling “protecting its votes” and sealing loopholes that could lead to rigging.

The DP during a recent tour in the Mount Kenya region assured his supporters that no one can direly steal his votes.

Ruto and his team have designed a campaign strategy based on the need for change and the failings of the Jubilee government.

Among the issues, they are promising to address include food shortages and the high cost of living, corruption, unfulfilled promises, tribalism, and employment exclusion.

About a month ago, deputy president William Ruto welcomed former Tana River Governor Hussein Dhado, the Speaker of the Tana River County Assembly, and 14 MCAs to the United Democratic Alliance.

The DP took to Twitter to reveal the new boost even as he seeks to clinch the presidency in the August 9, polls.

“You have made the right choice, this is the vehicle that will lead ordinary Kenyans to a new economic reality,” he tweeted.

MPs Danson Mugatana and Ibrahim Sane (Garsen) also officially joined the United Development Alliance.

Ruto had earlier alleged that over Sh1 billion was used to pay off aspirants into joining the ruling Jubilee Party.

On Monday, Ruto leads his troop in congratulating Maendeleo Chap Chap leader Alfred Mutua for joining Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

DP Ruto praised Mutua for ditching Azimio, saying he has “rejected blackmail and conmanship” from the wrong leaders.

“The people of Kenya have rejected blackmail, deceit, and conmanship in our politics. Those who’ve taken our country hostage using patronage, force, and impunity watajua hawajui na Wakenya hawapangwingwi,” said the DP in a tweet.