Ex-Kisii Governor James Ongwae Dumps Raila For Ruto

Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President-elect William Ruto in Karen on Friday September 9, 2022.
Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President William Ruto in Karen on Friday, September 9, 2022.
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William Ruto

Former Kisii governor James Ongwae has decamped from Azimio la Umoja to President-elect William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza.

In a statement dated Friday, September 9, Ongwae stated that he had held discussions with Ruto at his Karen residence further, wishing him well in his reign.

Ongwae was accompanied by other leaders from Kisii County.

Among them was former women representative Janet Ong'era, and former Transport Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Chris Obure.

Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President-elect William Ruto in Karen on Friday September 9, 2022.
Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae meeting President-elect William Ruto in Karen on Friday, September 9, 2022.
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William Ruto

"Had insightful discussions with the 5th President of Kenya William Ruto. Congratulations Mr President, best wishes, good health & God's favour in your tenure as you steer our country toward economic recovery. God bless Kenya!" he stated.

Earlier, Ongwae had indicated that the meeting would be centred on areas of partnership between them and the Kenya Kwanza faction even as he expressed that he was willing to work with the new administration.

Ongwae left office on August 9 after serving his two terms in Kisii county.

The former Kisii governor was an ardent supporter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and was elected as governor on an ODM ticket for 10 years.

However, Ongwae's move to Kenya Kwanza did not sit with some Azimio leaders who accused the Ongwae-led team of being selfish.

In a statement, Narok Senator Ledama Olekina opined that the governor should have stuck with the Azimio presidential candidate despite the Supreme Court upholding Ruto's victory.

The Ongwae-led team are among leaders that have decamped from the Raila-led faction since the August 9 polls.

Other leaders that have moved to Ruto's camp include; former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana, Mandera Senator Ali Roba and Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng.

President-elect William Ruto shaking hands with MDG party leader David Ochieng alongside other politicians on Friday August 26 at Karen Nairobi
President-elect William Ruto shaking hands with MDG party leader David Ochieng alongside other politicians on Friday August 26 2022 at Karen Nairobi
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