Businessman and politician Zedekiah Bundotich Kiprop, popularly known as Buzeki has broken his silence on his move to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In an interview with a local TV station on Friday, September 12, 2025, the former critic of President William Ruto expressed his elation in joining the ruling party, likening it to returning home.

“As a new UDA member, I am happy to be back home. I acknowledge what UDA has done, and I want to be part of it,” he stated.

Buzeki, who has in past positioned himself as an independent candidate, officially joined the party on Thursday, September 11, 2025, where UDA Vice Chairperson Hassan Omar received a delegation from Uasin Gishu County led by the businessman.

He justified his political U-turn by referencing the economic gains and reforms made by the current regime as factors in his support for the administration.

“The president has done his job well, the dollar rate has dropped, people’s living conditions have improved, and the country’s economy is on the right track. The government has now found stability, and we can clearly see the many projects it has delivered. As a businessman, I can say the transformation of our economy is evident,” he clarified.

Uasin Gishu politics

His remarks follow after his defection ruffled political feathers within the larger North Rift and Uasin Gishu county as the race to the 2027 polls draws closer.

While his supporters welcomed the decision as a new chapter, many others, including political rivals and ordinary citizens, questioned whether his defection would add any value to his political career.

Reacting to his new political switch, former Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter quickly distanced himself from the move. Taking to his official X account on Thursday, September 11, 2025, Keter made it clear that he was not about to follow Buzeki’s path.

“For avoidance of doubt, I am not boarding! Wantam Is Wantam!” he wrote, drawing attention from both his supporters and critics.

Meanwhile, Buzeki’s decision to finally align with UDA marks a dramatic shift, one that is believed could reshape local politics ahead of the next elections.

It remains to be seen how his political manoeuvring of the politician who unsuccessfully vied for the Uasin Gishu governor twice gets at.

The Industrialist lost a hotly contested Jubilee primaries in 2017 before contesting independently for the gubernatorial position, where he lost to Mandago.

His bid in 2022 met a similar fate when he ran as an independent candidate.