President-elect, William Ruto, explained that he raided Azimio la Umoja for more members in order to ensure he has enough numbers in both the National Assembly and the Senate to ensure that government policies and laws are passed in earnest.
Speaking to Kenya Kwanza leaders at his Karen residence, Ruto stated that he lured UDM members and independent MPs-elect to his side so as to garner number and pass laws that will help him in delivering the campaign promises.
He noted that he needs the numbers in the National Assembly so as the MPs can pass laws that will unlock funding for projects such as the Hustler Fund that he promised to Kenyans during his campaigns.
The president-elect further noted that he has a profound legislative agenda and wants to get the leverage to drive his agenda in the National Assembly.
"Many people are wondering why we are consolidating our place in the National Assembly and the Senate, but you need to understand we have a huge responsibility ahead of us. We need a lot of policy decisions to be made and legislative interventions to be made and we need the team that will help us deliver on the pledges we made to the people of Kenya," Ruto stated.
"We are consolidating the team that will help us prosecute our policy agenda in Parliament, so that we can do that which we must do for the people of Kenya. Having numbers gives us leverage."
He also clarified that he does not have the intention to cripple the opposition and wants them to provide oversight as required.
"We have no intention to limit the capacity of our competitors to provide oversight over our administration so that the people of Kenya can get value for the resources that we have and their votes by making sure we have a government that delivers," Ruto noted.
Ruto stated that the opposition is free to associate in the manner they want and they should also allow Kenya Kwanza to work with those who are willing to join it.
UDM officially signed a post-election coalition agreement with Kenya Kwanza, quashing its pre-election pact with Azimio la Umoja.
"Kenya Kwanza has grown over time and today UDM has joined the Kenya Kwanza fraternity, and like all the other members that have come before you, you will become an equal member of this alliance.
"You will participate with us in Parliament, in governance in the Executive and every other aspect as we seek to consolidate our country," Ruto stated.
"I want to assure you that Kenya Kwanza is large enough to accommodate each one of us and all the ideas that will come from all the constituted party and all the other leaders. Welcome to this coalition."
