Lee Kinyanjui ‘forms party’ to back Raila presidency

As the political drumbeats beat ahead of the August 2022 general elections, a new political party associated with Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui is gradually making its way to the political forefront. 

People Daily Digital has established that Ubuntu Peoples Forum (UPF) whose party leader is Samuel Kinya Rukahu actually belongs to the governor and he plans to use it in backing ODM leader Raila Odinga in the upcoming polls.

UPF was formerly known as the Citizens Convention Party (CCP) before the name was changed according to a Registrar of Political Parties’ notice seen by People Daily Digital.

“In exercise of the power conferred by section 20 (i) (e) and (ef) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that Citizens Convention Party (CCP) intends to change its party particulars,” the statement from the registrar of political parties read in part.

A cross-examination of UPF’s leadership also revealed that its Youth Leader Kenneth Kuria Mbaria who is from Nakuru county had decamped from Gideon Moi’s KANU where he held a similar position.

In his resignation, Mbaria stated that he will announce his new political home revealing that he was ready to enter into political partnerships with any other outfit but Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). 

“I wish the KANU youth fraternity all the best in their future endeavors. I will announce my next course of action in due time. In the meantime, I welcome partnerships with like-minded Political Parties with Youth Agenda at the heart in the country but not UDA,” Mbaria said. 

In a separate statement, Kinyanjui insinuated that voters from Mt Kenya region are never blind in making choices at the ballot and that a time has come when all candidates have equal chances to sell their manifestos to the mountain.

“It is a great fallacy to say an individual is not sellable. It is his agenda that might not be sellable but not the individual. Speak to their interest and you have their heart,” Kinyanjui’s statement read in part. 

UPF’s leadership comprises Samuel Kinya Rukahu as the party leader, Beatrice Nyawira Wambugu as Chairperson and Njoroge Gichuhi as its Secretary-General.