DP Ruto, KADU and Amidzi Elders in New Pact to Lock Kilifi
By Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Deputy President William Ruto’s UDA has moved to consolidate its Kilifi support base by signing pacts with KADU Asili and a powerful council of elders.
The deal between KADU Asili and UDA has given local gubernatorial aspirant Ms Aisha Jumwa a major boost after Mr Emanuel Nzai Kombe, the KADU Asili aspirant for governship, changed his mind and threw his weight behind Ms Jumwa.
Deputy President William Ruto has lauded Mr Nzai for accepting to support and work with Ms Jumwa, who is one of the strongest UDA ally in the county.
Key players in formulating and endorsing the new political arrangement include the powerful Amidzi Council of Elders.
Mr Nzai together with the elders and other leaders held a face to face meeting with Mr William Ruto at his Karen residence on March 23.
During the meeting, the Deputy President agreed to the idea of a formal engament between the elders and KADU Asili on one hand and the UDA on the other.
He also assured the Mijikenda and the Coast Communities at large that he would integrate their own in his government if he wins presidency in the August 9 polls.
Ruto said he was happy with the political developments in Kilifi, saying entry of KADU Asili into a coalition with UDA and endorsement of the move by Amidzi Council of Elders had put UDA on a victory mode.
“I can tell you that this bold step you’ve made today means a lot to UDA. Let’s walk and work together not just in these campaigns but also after the August 9 general elections,” the DP said.
Kombora Korokoro, the national KADU Asili party Chairman, promised mother of all campaigns in every corner of the vast county and hoped that the UDA secretariat would facilitate with logistics.
The Amidzi Chair Mwalimu Rasi echoed the KADU Asili chairman saying it would be all systems go starting this week.
The Kilifi North MP Mr Owen Baya who was also present said the County would benefit immensely if UDA leader clinches presidency on August 9.
Nzai doubles up as the KADU Asili Party leader as well as leader of the Ukombozi wa Majimbo coalition that brings together his party and two others namely UMOJA and Shirikisho political parties.
The fate of the Coalition however remains uncertain after the other partners skipped an invite to the Karen meeting.
Last week USPK unveiled their presidential candidate Walter Mongera AKA Nyambane who did not indicate any chances of forming a coalition with any party.
Nzai’s option to back off and support Aisha has now left the race to Pamoja African Alliance PAA Candidate George Kithi while the Azimio candidate is yet to been known till the conclusion of the party primaries which are yet to kick off.
Former Malindi MP Gideon Mung’aro and the current speaker for Kilifi Assembly Jimmy Kahindi will square it out for the party ticket.
Another aspirant includes ambassador Dan Kazungu, who has somehow gone quiet lately.
Governor Kingi has already declared his support to George Kithi though that endorsement has received mixed reactions.