Kiraitu Murungi and His Party Ditch Raila's Azimio for Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Alliance

Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi has ditched Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition which is led by Raila Odinga and joined President-elect William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

Murungi and several leaders of his Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) were received in the alliance by Ruto at the deputy president’s official residence in Karen on Friday.

“We welcome the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) to Kenya Kwanza. Their resolve to work with us is an indication that leaders agree that the interests of Kenyans override our personal or party interests. Received the leadership of DEP at the Karen Office, Nairobi, led by former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi,” Ruto wrote on his Facebook page.

Kiraitu, who was defending his seat under the DEP party in the August 9th general election, emerged third in the Meru governorship race with 110,814 votes.

Independent candidate Kawira Mwangaza won the seat winner after garnering 209,148 votes ahead of her closest competitor Senator Mithika Linturi of UDA who came in second with 183,859 votes.

Kiraitu joins the growing number of leaders and parties who have switched from Azimio to Kenya Kwanza after the August 9th general election.