Moses Kuria PEP Party pulls out of Kiambaa by-election after internal wrangles in UDA

Moses Kuria bows to pressure after meeting with DP Ruto

Mwangi Gathanwa

May 24, 2021 9:49 AM

Ruto had to intervene as Kimani Ichungwa and Rigathi Gachagua attacked his stand

DP Ruto is going through a lot – Moses Kuria

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has announced that his People’s Empowerment Party will not be fielding a candidate in the upcoming Kiambaa constituency by-election.

In an announcement on Monday May 24, Kuria said that the decision was preceded by infighting within the Tanga Tanga outfit, of which he is part.

Kuria has revealed that his intention to field a candidate did not sit well with Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa who wanted him to support UDA.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa with Deputy President William Ruto ece-auto-gen

“We wanted to present this message for approval by the people of Kiambaa Constituency on the 15th July. However this did not go down very well with my colleagues particularly Rigathi Gachagua and Kimani Ichungwa.

“Yesterday I held extensive discussions with my boss and friend H.E Dr William Ruto on this matter,” the Gatundu South MP explained.

To appease the DP’s allies and maintain the unity with the "Hustler Nation" movement, Kuria was forced to withdraw his party from the hotly contested race.

“To make my two colleagues happy and above all for the unity of the Hustler Nation, PEP will not be fielding a candidate for the Kiambaa by election. I take this opportunity to offer my profuse apologies to Hon Raymond Kuria, the people of Kiambaa and all PEP members who undoubtedly will be disappointed with this decision,” he added.

UDA’s John Njuguna Wanjiku will be battling it out with Jubilee’s flag bearer businessman Karanja Kariri Njama.

“The good news is we will now focus on a nationwide tour to meet candidates who will be vying for various seats in next year's General Elections on a PEP ticket. God bless PEP, God bless The Hustler Nation, God bless Kenya,” Kuria concluded.

Mwangi Gathanwa