Ruto-Linked UDA Party to Launch Atlanta Chapter Next Week

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party continues to reach out to Kenyans in the diaspora ahead of the 2022 general election.

On July 24th, UDA secretary-general Veronica Maina and Soy MP Caleb Kositany will be in Georgia to preside over the launch of the UDA Atlanta Chapter. The event will take place at 1885 Roswell St Smyrna, GA 30080, and all UDA supporters in Atlanta are invited.

This comes weeks after the Deputy President William Ruto-linked party opened an international link office in Seattle, Washington on June 19th.

The launching ceremony was graced by Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata and attended by many Kenyans both physically and virtually.

Ruto, who attended the event via video conferencing, pledged to support Kenyans living and working abroad if he is elected president next year. He promised to establish a ministry that will exclusively deal with issues affecting Kenyans in the diaspora.

"We believe that the diaspora should also participate in the politics of our nation. There is no reason why the diaspora does not have representation in government," said Ruto.

He added: "...a clear ministry that strictly works on matters to do with the Kenyan community in diaspora. You should have an opportunity to contribute. There is no taxation with no representation."

The launch of the offices is part of Ruto’s strategy to widen his networks and reach out to diaspora voters ahead of next year’s general election.

The offices are expected to coordinate party activities, including registration of diaspora members and mobilization of campaign resources in the US.

Ruto has formally announced he will run for the presidency in 2022 on a UDA party ticket.