Former Kisii Governor James Ongwae has decamped from Azimio la Umoja to President-Elect William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 9, Ongwae stated that he met with Ruto at his Karen home and wished him well in his reign.
Other Kisii County officials, including former women’s representative Janet Ong’era and former transport chief administrative secretary (CAS) Chris Obure, accompanied Ongwae.
“Had insightful discussions with the 5th President of Kenya William Ruto. Congratulations Mr President, best wishes, good health & God’s favour in your tenure as you steer our country toward economic recovery. God bless Kenya!” he stated.
Ongwae had already stated his willingness to cooperate with the new administration while also indicating that the discussion will be focused on areas of partnership between them and the Kenya Kwanza faction.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at Switch TV
The former Kisii governor served as governor for ODM for ten years and was a staunch supporter of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ongwae’s decision to join Kenya Kwanza, however, did not sit well with certain Azimio leaders, who accused the Ongwae-led team of being egocentric.
Narok County Senator, Ledama Olekina, held the governor should have remained loyal to Raila despite the Supreme Court affirming Ruto’s victory.
The ex-Kisii Couty Governor-led team is among the leaders who decamped from Azimio faction to join Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana, Mandera Senator Ali Roba, and Ugenya Member of Parliament David Ochieng are among other elected leaders who have defected to Ruto’s side.
