Mass Exodus Hits Ruto's Party in Embu

In a fiery press briefing that had all the ingredients of political rebellion, UDA National Executive Council (NEC) member Joshua Kanake led a host of disillusioned grassroots leaders in declaring their divorce from the party they once passionately marketed in Embu County.

“These are the very people who recruited supporters to UDA and campaigned vigorously for the Kenya Kwanza government in the last general election, but what do we have to show for it? Isolation, silence, and broken promises.”Kanake said.

The disgruntled leaders painted a picture of a party that has turned its back on its foot soldiers. They specifically took aim at UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, accusing her of locking out grassroots voices and running the party like a personal errand.

“We have made frantic efforts to meet her and engage on service delivery, but she has ignored us. From today henceforth, we have no ties with the UDA party. Let us leave the party to Mbarire ,we are out!”Kanake lamented.

The group accused the Kenya Kwanza government of failing to deliver tangible development in Embu, branding the administration as “a government of empty promises.”

Danson Muriuki, the UDA Coordinator for Manyatta Constituency said the ruling party has failed people and they cannot continue associating with a regime that "abducts young people and ignores its grassroots soldiers".

Joyce Murekio, another vocal coordinator, termed the party’s treatment of loyalists as disgraceful. “We carried this party from grass to grace, only to be cast aside. It’s not just unfair.  It is betrayal”she stated.

Gerald Ireri, Coordinator for Mbeere South stated that the marriage with UDA is no longer tenable. “Our political marriage with UDA is toxic. There are no children, and the spouse has already married other wives. The way we came is the way we go”she lamented.

The leaders now say they are political free agents, consulting with like-minded Kenyans on their next course a move likely to send shockwaves through the UDA grassroots network.

Political governance expert Bosco Kiura has dismissed the move terming it as political clout saying they were in UDA coordinators meeting and nothing has been resolved ditching the party .

John Mate, a Kenya Kwanza politician in Manyatta constituency, said purporting to have ditched the party, they did so as individuals but the members are still intact urging Embu locals to continue supporting UDA party and government for development agenda.