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Geoffrey Mosoku and Robert Ochoro

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday suffered a blow after two of his allies in Kisii ditched his United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Immediate former Director of Youth Affairs in the Office of the Deputy President Anthony Kibagendi rejoined ODM while governor candidate Rachel Otundo indicated she will be shopping for another party.

Kibagendi, who resigned from UDA five days ago, was received by ODM leader Raila Odinga in Nairobi at an event witnessed by Kisii Governor James Ongwae.

Kibagendi said he was happy to return home to ODM, a party he left shortly before the 2017 elections.

“Kibagendi returned home today, joining Azimio la Umoja,” ODM said in a statement, adding that he is known for his mobilisation and organisational skills.

He intends to run for Kitutu Chache South MP seat.

Kibagendi quit UDA on Saturday night following an exchange on a WhatsApp group with South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro while Otundo left UDA, citing frustrations.

Kibagendi was meeting Raila even as Ruto met Omingo Magara, who is also eyeing the Kisii governor seat on UDA’s ticket. He is also said to be planning to quit over a decision to bring on board Nyaribari Masaba MP Ezekiel Machogu. Magara is the UDA treasurer.

According to insiders, Magara has been under pressure to abandon his quest for the governor seat and in favour of  Machogu.

Yesterday, Ruto met both Machogu and Magara in the company of Osoro. 

Kibagendi, who went to the online portal of the Office of Registrar of Political Parties to formally resign, accused Osoro and Zaheer Jlanda of high handedness.

“I have worked tirelessly for this party but now I am being despised. I have left them their party,” he said.

But Zaheer claimed Kibagendi was just looking for an excuse to defect to Azimio. “He believes he stands a better chance of being elected in Azimio than in UDA. So he was just creating a fiasco to exit,” Zaheer said.

Zaheer, who is vying in Nyaribari Chache, accused Kibagendi and Magara of blackmailing Ruto.