Video-Ruto quits UDM,now looking for a new Party

The former minister has been associated with the party since 2008, but could not wrest control from a faction led by the secretary general, Mr Martin ole Kamwaro.

His close associates told the Nation on Monday that they had completed plans to launch a new party.

“We have procured materials to print T-shirts and caps for the launch and we are meeting today to finalise the choice of the party and the rules of engagement,” said Belgut MP Charles Keter.

He said the move was long overdue.

“Our supporters were getting anxious and were putting pressure on us to name the new party. We have finally agreed on that,” Mr Keter said after a meeting at a Nairobi hotel. It was attended by Mr Ruto, Transport Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere, Assistant Minister Kazungu Kambi, Chepalungu MP Isaac Rutto and former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara.

Last Saturday, the party factions held parallel functions in the city. One led by chairman Joseph Chirchir set election dates at a delegates meeting, while the one allied to Mr Kamwaro opened a parallel office at the former Red Card Centre in Upperhill, Nairobi.

Sources said this could have informed Mr Ruto’s decision to leave the party largely associated with Rift Valley politicians.

The Eldoret North MP needs a party to contest the presidency after falling out with Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Orange Democratic Movement where he is, technically, a deputy leader.

Mr Ruto did not speak after the meeting, but his spokesman Aden Duale told journalists to expect big news.

“We have come here to consult. Expect big news before the end of the week,” he said before he drove away.

Cherang’any MP Joshua Kutuny said they had zeroed in on two new parties and two old ones, but refused to divulge more details saying it would jeopardize the registration process of one of them “which was in a critical stage.”

Mr Keter said the move to ditch UDM was long overdue.

“The move was long overdue. Our supporters were getting anxious and were putting pressure on us to name the new party. We have finally agreed on that,” Mr Keter told Nation.

He said Kenya was not developed enough to worry about ideologies as “parties were as good as their leaders.”