Gatundu South Member of Parliament, Moses Kuria, has revealed infighting within Deputy President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) that is causing wrangles in the overall Kenya Kwanza coalition.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Kuria highlighted the public dispute between Kiambu Senator, Kimani Wamatangi, and Tujibebe Party leader, William Gitau Kabogo.
Kuria noted that the altercation was a result of secret meetings between the UDA leadership in a bid to frustrate gubernatorial ambitions of other contestants who are also members of Kenya Kwanza.
The Legislator added that MPs and MCAs within their circles were intimidated and warned of dire consequences should they revolt.
"What happened in the Hustler Express caravan in Kiambu today (Wednesday, June 15) is regrettable. The ugly altercation between Kabogo and Wamatangi is regrettable. I will not apportion blame to any of the two gentlemen but I can relate to Kabogo's pain."
"For three days, the UDA leadership has been meeting UDA MP and MCA candidates to plot how to embarrass Kabogo and me during the tour. MCAs and MPs who associate with us were warned of dire consequences. This chicanery is not healthy for our fledgling alliance," he stated.
Kuria urged the UDA outfit to live up to the core policies and inclusivity envisioned in the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
"It is imperative that we live with not only the letter but also the spirit of the Kenya Kwanza alliance. Otherwise, it will be tantamount to politics of conmanship and deceit. We will be raising these concerns with our alliance principals as provided for in the alliance instruments."
Kuria had initially shared a poster of the Kiambu tour which consisted of the UDA brigade, essentially leaving out affiliate party members of the coalition. He captioned the poster as "UDA Kwanza" seemingly highlighting wrangles within the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
Wamatangi and Kabogo had a public showdown during the Kenya Kwanza tour in Limuru led by the coalition's running mate, Rigathi Gachagua. In front of a charged crowd, Wamatangi accused Kabogo of using threats to intimidate him.
"I will no longer buy fear from you Kabogo, you spoke here and I did not interrupt you, my focus is on developing Kiambu and do not dare me. Look elsewhere if you want to sell fear - who told you this county belongs to you? Shut up and get out of here!" Wamatangi lamented as a silent Kabogo looked on.
