Director in Ruto's Office Defects to Azimio

Anthony Kibagendi, the Director of Youth Affairs at the Office of DP Ruto and ODM  Party Leader, Raila Odinga on Wednesday, February 23.
Anthony Kibagendi, the Director of Youth Affairs at the Office of DP Ruto and ODM Party Leader, Raila Odinga on Wednesday, February 23.
Raila Odinga

Anthony Kibagendi, the Director of Youth Affairs in the Office of Deputy President William Ruto on Wednesday, February 23, joined the Azimio la Umoja movement.

Kibagendi accompanied the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga to a meeting with leaders from the South Rift region.

It was during the meeting that the DP's aide endorsed Raila and his Azimio coalition. Kisii Governor James Ongwae welcomed the youthful politician.

From Left Kisii County Governor, James Ongwae, Anthony Kibagendi, the Director of Youth Affairs at the Office of DP Ruto and ODM Party Leader, Raila Odinga on Wednesday, February 23.
From Left: Former Kisii County Governor, James Ongwae, Anthony Kibagendi, the Director of Youth Affairs at the Office of DP Ruto and ODM Party Leader, Raila Odinga on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
Raila Odinga

On Saturday, February 19, Kibagendi announced his resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) but indicated he would still stick with Ruto in the presidential campaign. 

He had also promised to give reasons for his exit from UDA but at the time of publishing this story, he was yet to publically give an explanation for his abrupt move.

"Yes, I have resigned from UDA, I have not joined any Party or association, I will give my reasons tomorrow," he stated. 

Before his resignation, he was reported to have had a confrontation with South Mugirango Member of Parliament (MP) Silvanus Osoro in a UDA Whatsapp group.

Kibagendi has his eyes set on succeeding Richard Onyonka as the member of Parliament (MP) for the Kitutu Chache constituency. Onyonka, will not be defending his seat but will contest to become the senator for  Kisii County in the August 9 poll.

The youthful politician will be making a second stab at the seat after coming in second in 2017 when he ran under a Jubilee Party ticket. However, political pundits view him as a  favourite to clinch the seat.

His defection comes in just days before the Raila-led party holds its National Delegates Conference (NDC) on February 26,  which coincides with that of Jubilee.

Ruto appointed Kibagendi as a director in his office in August 2018. An articulate speaker, whose philanthropic gestures made him a darling to the youth, was banked on by the DP to salvage some votes in the predominantly ODM region.

The former Prime Minister also welcomed Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, who has openly campaigned for Azimio, and ex-Civil Service boss Sally Kosgei also to Azimio la Umoja.

Anthony Kibagendi (left) alongside Deputy President William Ruto heading to a past event in 2018.
Anthony Kibagendi (left) alongside Deputy President William Ruto heading to a past event in 2018.
courtesy