Written By Ramadhan Kambi | |
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana who until recently was among those who were Deputy President William Ruto’s Coast strongmen has returned back to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The move by the vocal lawmaker now reduces DP Ruto stomp in Kilifi to MP Owen Baya and gubernatorial aspirant Aisha Jimwa.
With that movement, it is clear that the DP might be slowly losing his support base in the Coast region.
Mr Katana, a former journalist was among the ODM leaders in Kilifi who left the party and started campaigning for Ruto.
Immediately after the 2017 election Katana alongside Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), and Michael Kingi (Magarini) ditched ODM and joined UDA.
The first to ditch the DP’s party was Michael Kingi who joined the Pamoja African Alliance associated with his brother and Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi.
Speaking in Kaloleni for the first time after re-joining ODM, Katana said he was non-committal in UDA.
He announced that he would seek re-election on an ODM ticket
“I know many things have been said over my short stint at UDA. I am an ODM life member and I am back home. As a leader you need to go where the interests of your people are well taken care of. The future of Kenya is in ODM and I am in full support of the Azimio la Umoja,” he said
In late December last year, Katana accompanied Ruto in successful public rallies in Mariakani and Kaloleni in the constituency.
Mr Katana was also tasked with organizing another rally in the neighbouring Rabai constituency.
Last Friday, Mr Katana accompanied ODM Party leader Raila Odinga for a rally in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County where he was officially received back to the party.
During the ODM nominations for the Kaloleni seat, he will face Edward Saro, one of his biggest competitor so far.
Current UDA enjoy the support of Mr Baya and Ms Jumwa who are the only remaining loyals in the county.
Ruto also lost support of city lawyer George Kithi who ditched UDA for PAA.
Mr Kithi has been traversing Kilifi County with the DP when he (Kithi) was campaigning for the Kilifi senatorial seat. He is now going for the governorship under PAA.
Another notable leader who has ditched UDA is nominated Senator Christine Zawadi.
Ms Zawadi has announced that she is going for the Kilifi woman MP seat on a PAA ticket.
Email: uzalendonews24@gmail.com to submit your story.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
