After widespread speculations as to why Ambassador Ali Chirau Mwakwere left Raila Odinga's ODM party, Mwakwere has finally stepped in to reveals the true reasons behind his decision.
Speaking to a local daily, Mr Mwakwere disclosed that he opted to join Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper Party after an intensive analysis of the voters in Kwale County, where he will be vying for the Gubernatorial seat.
The former Matuga MP stated that his decision came after wide consultations with Mr Odinga, Kalonzo, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya).
"I told them of my willingness to join NASA and because politics is dynamic, I chose Wiper after my own analysis and what was dictated to me by the people of Kwale," he mentioned.
The diplomat dismissed earlier allegations that he left ODM after facing hostility from senior officials in the party. Other speculations also indicated that Mwakwere was afraid of the fierce competition he would face in the Orange party primaries.
"What some people are saying is neither here nor there. Ask anyone to do calculations and you will probably see why I picked Wiper," Mwakwere said.
He noted that he had no problem with any co-principals in the Opposition adding that his main focus was to ouster Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya.
The former Foreign Affairs minister highlighted that after resigning from being the High Commissioner to Tanzania, he never officially joined any political party.
"Those saying I ditched Jubilee or ODM for Wiper let them mention my membership number. I have never been to Jubilee... I went to Tanzania when I was in URP and came back when the party no longer existed. When I arrived I never said I was joining ODM but NASA," Mwakwere insisted.
On Thursday, Mwakwere surprised many after he announced that he would join Wiper despite several public appearances with the former Prime Minister.
"I have joined Wiper Party because it is the most suitable," the ambassador told journalists after his declaration.
In 2013 General Election, Mwakwere, who was vying on a URP ticket for the Kwale senatorial seat, was defeated by the late Senator Juma Boy.
