Blow to DP Ruto as Uhuru Nets His Isiolo Main Ally to Azimio

Deputy President William Ruto has suffered a big blow after Isiolo Woman Representative Rahema Jaldesa ditched the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Jaldesa announced her departure from the wheelbarrow party on Saturday after meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi.

The lawmaker said she will join opposition leader Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja through the rebranded Jubilee Party.

“With fellow leaders from Isiolo we held a consultative meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta,” she said.

Others leaders hosted by the Head of State from Isiolo County include former governor Godana Doyo and several MPs.

“You must ensure you are fully involved in the political processes. It is the only way to guarantee opportunities and space to drive your agenda in the next administration,” the President said.

Jaldasa has been the face of UDA in Isiolo and also a key supporter and campaigner for Deputy President William Ruto.
At the same time, the President also held a meeting with Mandera County leaders led by governor Ali Roba and rallied them behind Azimio.

They assured President Kenyatta of their undivided loyalty to him and continued backing as the country ushers in the electioneering period.

The DP also suffered another loss after Mandera Senator Mohamed Maalim Mohamud switched camps from UDA to Jubilee Party.

The President is making all efforts to ensure that North Eastern Kenya back his ‘Handshake’ brother, Raila.

He has promised to kick off “marathon campaigns” for the ODM leader starting later this month after Jubilee National Delegates Convention at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).

“They thought Jubilee was dead, but they did not know we were working. Now we are in a political season and I will join the campaign trail because I must tell Kenyans Azimio is the way to go,” he said on Friday.