Jubilee Party Embu gubernatorial candidate, Emilio Kathuri, has defected to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) four days to the August 9 polls.
While meeting Deputy President William Ruto and his allies on Thursday night, August 4, in Karen, Kathuri stated that he was dropping his ambitions in favour of UDA's candidate, Cecily Mutitu Mbarire.
Kathuri expressed that Kenya Kwanza was the winning team, adding that Ruto's political faction would carry the day when Kenyans go to the polls next week.
"I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for having been accepted in the hustler family and I hereby state categorically that I am supporting my sister Cecily Mbarire," Kathuri stated.
Also received by the DP was the Embu Woman Representative candidate on Jubilee Party ticket, Susan Nyaga.
On his part, Ruto noted that the defections were a reflection of Kenya Kwanza's support in the Mount Kenya region.
He added that the move by President Uhuru Kenyatta's allies would guarantee the win of Mbarire in the gubernatorial contest and cement the Kenya Kwanza's presidential vote.
Further, the UDA presidential candidate promised the two candidates jobs in his government should he win the August 9 presidential vote.
"My good brother Emilio welcome to the hustler family. I also want to welcome Susan to the team and I want to agree with you that we need to give a chance to our sister Mbarire.
"I am confident that with the support of Kathuri, it is now done. Their teams will now join the UDA fraternity in Embu county and we are looking forward to a resounding victory on August 9," Ruto stated.
Also present was National Assembly Speaker, Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi.
The defection of the two has dealt a blow to the Azimio team which has been doing all it can to make inroads in the vote-rich region.
