Mumias East Member of Parliament Benjamin Washiali says he would not be running for office in the upcoming General Election.
Taking to his social media on Sunday, January 2, the vocal MP announced that he would instead dedicate all his energy and resources on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and ensuring Deputy President William Ruto wins the presidential race.
The legislator also thanked his constituents for allowing him to serve them in the past 15 years. He affirmed that in his tenure, he improved the lives of his people.
"It's been an honour serving the People of Mumias East, with gratitude I appreciate that you placed your hope and aspirations in me for the last 15years, I have served diligently, I'm grateful for the development strides we've made.
Therefore come August, I will not be running for office," he stated.
Further, Washiali urged his people to elect the next leader who would prioritise their interests as well as offer effective service delivery.
"It is with much humility that I therefore once again ask you people of Mumias East to come August, elect a leader who will not only better the best that we have achieved this far, but also be tenacious and zealous in their service delivery." he entailed.
The unprecedented turn of events sent tongues wagging since Washiali has been a strong defender of Ruto in and out of Parliament and a point man in Western Kenya.
"Good move. Life must go on, but remember your boss will be our chief opposition leader. Time will tell just watch you will see the reality on ground. God bless Kenya," Isaiah Nyakina detailed
"You certainly achieved your political dream. We stood with you from nothing, since 2002 to the current stature," Peter Waswa
Others, however, castigated the move terming it as a cowardly act.
"Which resources when you fully depend on the DP for even petty issues like building your houses. Let me tell you the truth, your boss will be the opposition leader and you will enter the cold room of politics till 2027, I'm sure you fear vying because you have sensed defeat," Edward Ndalo stated.
"He knows very well people in Mumias east cannot elect him for a Third Term and more so on a party that is irrelevant in western," Peter Nyamwaya pointed out.
The political scenario is about to got a frenzy as the countdown to the 2022 General Election continues to wind down. From defections, alliances, coalitions, the country will undergo a heavy campaign bid before the political dust settles.
