News that Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria is set to ditch Jubilee for the Democratic Party (DP) has sent political shivers across the Central region.
Moses Kuria is known to be a man who says it as it is and his latest resolve to apparently join DP should not be taken lightly.
The leadership of the Democratic Party is apparently already aware of Moses Kuria’s latest declaration an has in fact welcomed him to the party.
DP National Chairman Esau Kioni said that the MP had not called him but added that Mr Kuria is welcome to the 27-year-old political party.
“Kuria’s support is welcome though according to the law, he would lose his seat in Parliament if he ditches Jubilee formally. There are many other politicians including sitting elected leaders and those who lost in the last election who have shown interest to join DP,” said Mr Kioni.
But he was quick to point out that Mr Kuria may have made his intention public to test the opinion of his supporters.
He said the party’s national executive council (NEC) held a meeting in Nairobi and passed a resolution to rebrand and prepare for the 2022 elections.
Mr Kioni said DP will field a presidential candidate to face off with other aspirants who include Deputy President William Ruto.
Hotelier Patrick Munene Kairu, who is also a member of the party and who unsuccessfully vied for the Nyeri governor’s seat in the last election, said the DP national office resolved to embrace Mr Kuria because of his huge following in Mt Kenya and his outspoken nature.
“We are also reaching out to Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya and his PNU, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Nairobi politician Peter Kenneth to dissolve their parties and join us so that we can form one formidable political outfit,” said Mr Kairu.
He said that a host of sitting MPs, senators and governors have approached the party silently seeking membership as they prepare for 2022 elections.
Though the party officials decline to reveal the names of these politicians, sources indicate that among those who have approached DP are businessman Jimmy Wanjigi, former Kiambu governor William Kabogo, Mr Kenneth and Mr Kamanda.
Others mentioned are former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, his rival Charles Kibiru and former Murang’a senator Kembi Gitura.