As the August 8 General Election approaches, realignments continue to be witnessed in the political sphere with a number of leaders ditching their parties for personal gain.
Several leaders have in the recent past sought to align themselves with parties they feel will guarantee them a win in the upcoming polls even if it means betraying those that won them seats in the last election.
Kenyans.co.ke has singled out more than 10 leaders who have abandoned President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party (JP) despite some holding senior status in the Jubilee administration.
Onyango Oloo
The former TNA Chairman is a perfect example of one of the leaders who have seemingly betrayed President Kenyatta despite being among the most trusted and senior members of the Jubilee administration.
Oloo, who ditched Jubilee in January for ODM, resorted into mudslinging the government threatening to expose some of its secrets.
After his unceremonious defection, the former TNA Secretary-General claimed that he would share with the opposition strategies the President was planning to ensure victory in the 2017 General Election.
Sam Ongeri
The former Education Cabinet Minister had been a staunch member of Jubilee but recently parted ways with the party for apparently being sidelined.
Ongeri, who has been serving as Kenya's ambassador to the UN Habitat, joined ODM a week ago and was welcomed by the party leader Raila Odinga.
He is now set to vie for the Kisii Senate seat against incumbent Chris Obure who has since decamped from ODM to Jubilee.
Chirau Ali Mwakwere
The country's ambassador to Tanzania had been described as one of the most loyal supporters of the ruling government until last month when he announced his departure from Jubilee to ODM.
On joining the Opposition, Mwakwere declared that he would run for the Kwale gubernatorial seat vowing that Jubilee would not win any seats in the county despite incumbent Governor Salim Mvurya joining the party.
The Bomet Governor has been leading a rebellion against the government despite being elected into office under the URP Party which was part of the Jubilee coalition.
Upon formation of the Jubilee Party, Ruto declined to join the new outfit and instead formed Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) which he will use to defend his seat in the upcoming polls.
Charity Ngilu
The former Lands Cabinet Secretary was one of the pillars of the Jubilee Coalition during 2013 Election.
She, however, fell apart with the government after being dismissed in 2015 on corruption allegations and is rumoured to be preparing to join the National Super Alliance (NASA).
Ngilu is set to run for Kitui governorship on her Narc party ticket.
The Council of Governors chairman has frequently rubbed shoulders with the government and has been seen as one of the rebellious leaders after refusing to join the Jubilee Party.
The Meru Governor has now been traversing especially the Mt Kenya region popularising the Party of National Unity (PNU) which he intends to use to defend his position.
Kilemi Mwiria
The former advisor to President Kenyatta on education matters recently declared that he had ditched Jubilee citing fears of unfair nominations in the party primaries slated for April.
Mwiria joined Governor Alfred Mutua-led Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) which he will use to run for Meru governorship.
The current Embu Senator surprised many when he announced his defection from Jubilee to MCC equally fearing unfair competition during upcoming party primaries.
Kivuti will now use the new vehicle to run for the Embu gubernatorial seat against incumbent Martin Wambora and Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire who is also interested in the seat.
A week ago, Ragwa led more that 10 leaders from Tharaka Nithi County in joining Martha Karua's Narc-Kenya.
Ragwa claimed that Jubilee affairs in the region had been taken over by his competitors hence feared that the nominations would not be free and fair.
On Tuesday, the nominated Senator from the Coastal region quit Jubilee for MCC which seems to be the alternative for defectors who want to remain pro-Uhuru even after leaving the ruling party.
Ms Mbura accused some leaders in JP of trying to impede her efforts of running for the Rabai Parliamentary seat.
The Senator who was two weeks ago involved in a gun drama at a petrol station in Naivasha will also not be in Jubilee in the 2017 Election.
Despite being nominated by JP after the 2013 polls, he indicated that he will now run for the Nakuru gubernatorial seat but on a KANU ticket.
