Deputy President William Ruto seems to be moving forward with the plan to build the newly formed United Democratic Alliance into a formidable political tool.
The party’s incoming Chairman Johnstone Muthama stated that Ruto met 12 candidates who expressed interest in vying in the Machakos Senate by-election on a UDA ticket.
Muthama intimated that they agreed to conduct a survey to determine the best candidate to support for the upcoming poll.
“Our breakfast meeting primarily focused on the upcoming by-election. We have agreed as it has been the hustler nation tradition, a scientific opinion poll shall be carried out and the aspirants have collectively agreed to respect and support the will of the people,” the former senator announced.
Muthama has in the recent past positioned himself to strategically influence politics in Machakos as he delivers wins for 'Hustler Nation' as exhibited in his role in Feisal Bader's win in Msambweni on December 15, 2020.
Governor Alfred Mutua’s party, Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) has already settled on its candidate, with other regional favourites such as Wiper Party, yet to declare their candidate.
MCC unveiled former Mwala MP John Mutua Katuku as the party's flag bearer in the upcoming by-election.
Jubilee Party Deputy Secretary-General Caleb Kositany, who is a close ally of the DP, said the camp would fielding other candidates in all the vacant political seats.
Other than Machakos and Nairobi, some of the candidates being fronted by the Ruto camp in other polls are expected to vie as independents.
Former Starehe MP Margaret Wanjiru also expressed interest in vying for the Nairobi gubernatorial election on a UDA ticket.
The DP's allies stated that they will not entertain any orders about party loyalty as Jubilee also prepares to field a candidate in Nairobi.
Other by-elections scheduled for 2021 include Matungu and Kabuchai constituencies which fell vacant after Justus Murunga and James Mukwe died in late 2020.
