President-elect William Ruto has today defended the decision by opposing parties to join his growing Kenya Kwanza Alliance, arguing the move proves the growing democratization of Kenya’s political space even as he described his alliance as a coalition of the willing and the free.
“I am truly grateful that as Kenyans we are progressively appreciating that we can compete, hold different views, and belong to different parties, but we can find a formula to work together for the greater good of our country. This is the journey we are engaged in at the moment,” he stated.
“We believe in a society where people make choices without looking back, I want to confirm that what happened in the last four years, where politics, relationships, and associations were criminalized, is a chapter that is closed,” he countered in defence of defections to his outfit.
Ruto, who was speaking at an event organized to formally welcome United Democratic Movement (UDM) to the Kenya Kwanza coalition, says he is a believer in freedom of association.
He added that the growth and expansion of his coalition will help him govern better, execute constitutional mandates and fulfil promises made to Kenyans.
“Kenya Kwanza has grown over time. Many members and political parties have joined. Today UDM has joined the Kenya Kenya fraternity, and like other members who joined before you, you will become an equal member of this alliance like all the others.
Kenya Kwanza is large enough to accommodate all of us.
Our plan, and agenda are broad enough to accommodate all the ideas that will come from all the constituent parties and leaders that form the Kenya Kwanza
You will participate with us in parliament, governance, and executive and in every other aspect as we seek to consolidate our country, development, and progress,” he noted
Ruto, who was declared the winner of the August 9, 2022, Presidential election, says he is keen to see a country where people, ideas, relationships, and associations are rightfully earned.
Azimio yesterday further dismissed the political leaders who have crossed over as selfish individuals devoid of principles and convictions.
The coalition claimed Dr Ruto was already scared of a possible nullification of his win and was trying to poach leaders to bolster his camp.
Azimio further warned its members that supporting the rival Kenya Kwanza Alliance put them at risk of losing their parliamentary seats, since they are still legally bound by their pre-election coalition agreement.
