Deputy President William Ruto’s State House bid has suffered a major blow after Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina ditched the UDA camp.
This comes barely months after Wainaina joined UDA in a highly publicized event attended by Deputy President William Ruto in Kiambaa constituency.
The legislator who has fallen out with presidential hopeful William Ruto has since rebranded his campaign truck previously adorned with the yellow UDA colours
Although Wainaina has not revealed the reason why he ditched William Ruto’s camp, sources within his camp said he was uncomfortable with Ruto’s unmet financial promises to his constituents during his recent tour of the county.
“The MP was forced to dip into his pocket to pay millions the DP had pledged to women and youth groups as part of his empowerment program in Thika and Gatundu North where he hosted the DP,” said a source who sought anonymity told the People Daily newspaper dated Tuesday, January 18.
The first-term legislator popularly known as ‘Jungle’ was elected on an Independent ticket is said to be headed to the Party of National Unity headed by Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi who has already reached out to him.
His exit from the United Democratic Alliance appears to be a major boost for former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu who was expected to battle it with him in party primaries.
The Thika Town MP has declared interest in the Kiambu governor’s seat held by James Nyoro.
Others in the contest include Senator Kimani Wamatangi, Assembly Speaker Stephen Ndicho, former Governor Ferdinand Waititu ‘Babayao’, and first county boss Wiliam Kabogo.
Last year, Wainaina while joining UDA heaped William Ruto with praises saying the former Agriculture Minister is a national leader.
“I have no problem working with deputy president William Ruto for the benefit of the people I represent in parliament. He (Ruto) is a national leader and as leaders, we make decisions based on the wishes of the people who elected us,” Wainaina said.
