Former Kasarani Member of Parliament Elizabeth Ongoro, is the latest politician to decamp from the opposition to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
UDA Secretary General Cleopas Malala received Ongoro and other officials at the party’s headquarters, after defecting from ODM on Monday, July 24.
In his welcoming speech, Malala said the move was a gain to the UDA Party, as she brings on board wealth of experience having served as a Member of the National Assembly and as nominated senator.
Malala noted that Ongoro is joining the party during heightened activities across the country on new members recruitment and party mobilization.
“Our target is to ensure that we secure the majority of seats across the country at all levels,” he said.
Also Read: ODM Calls for Resignation of Rebel MPs
While referring to her as a key mobilizer, Malala called on Ongoro to help the party in dealing with challenges that include the ongoing anti-government protests.
“Unfortunately, there will be no honeymoon period for you, as you’ll immediately join us in our field activities,” he added.
Malala added that the party was working through a plan to secure a majority in the Nairobi County Assembly and therefore nurturing of MCAs ahead of the 2027 elections is key.
Ongoro had moved to the Amani National Congress (ANC) which was under Musalia Mudavadi’s , citing frustrations at the party, but returned to ODM in 2020 after losing nominations ahead of the General Election.
She was elected to represent the Kasarani Constituency in the 10th Parliament of the National Assembly of Kenya from 2007 to 2013.
Also Read: Ledama Calls on ODM Renegade MPs to Resign
Other ODM Renegade MPs
Ongoro made the move even as a section of ODM affiliated leaders from Taita Taveta declared their willingness to work with the government.
During President William Ruto’s visit to the County on Sunday, July 23, the leaders said they were going to focus on delivering development projects.
Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, who won the gubernatorial seat as an independent candidate, assured Ruto of his support moving forward.
Ruto is on a sustained charm offensive, especially in areas where Raila Odinga enjoys fanatical following.
In Nyanza for instance, several opposition MPs, including Senator Tom Ojienda, Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o, Paul Nyamita and Elisha Odhiambo are working with the Kenya Kwanza government.
Pundits see this as a political scheme by Ruto to eat into Odinga’s support base and deflect the opposition.
