Chirau Ali Mwakwere Joins ODM

Kenya's ambassador to Tanzania Chirau Ali Mwakwere has decamped to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The former Matuga Member of Parliament, who was a staunch Jubilee Coalition member, also announced that he had joined the race to oust Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya in the 2017 General Election.

The revelation was made after the former legislator, known for his nickname Zipapa, had lunch with ODM leader Raila Odinga and Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.

Mwakwere, who has been a close member of the ruling Coalition, vied for the Kwale Senatorial seat in 2013 but lost to incumbent Senator Boy Juma Boy.

Despite CORD being the predominant coalition in the Coastal region during the last polls, he maintained his support for the then less popular Jubilee.

After the loss, the former Cabinet Minister in the Grand Coalition government was repaid for his loyalty and was appointed as ambassador to Tanzania.

The envoy will now be vying against Governor Mvurya who recently ditched ODM for the Jubilee Party and has already been expelled from the opposition for working with the government.