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Deputy President William Ruto has suffered a blow after his advisor on youth affairs, Anthony Kibagendi, resigned from the United Democratic Movement.

Kibagendi quit the party on Saturday night following a nasty exchange in a WhatsApp group with South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro.

The two traded barbs, scoffing at each other’s chances of being elected.

“At least I have been elected even if I lose this coming election, but for you to be elected will be the eighth wonder of the world,” Osoro told him.

The first time legislator is defending his South Mugirango seat while Kibagendi will be seeking to replace Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka, who has announced he is vying for Kisii Senate seat.

Kibagendi, who went to the online portal of the Office of Registrar of Political Parties to formally resign, accused Osoro and flamboyant businessman-cum-politician Zaheer Jhanda of high-handedness.

“Yeah, I have resigned. I have worked tirelessly for UDA but now I am being despised. I have left to them their party,” Kibagendi said.

Kibagendi, who until early this month served as the Director of Youth Affairs at the DP’s office, made the move following weeks of internal fueds within Kisii UDA branch.

His exit will be a major litmus test for Ruto, who has been struggling to build a formidable team as he seeks to eat into ODM leader Raila Odinga’s Nyanza base.

Kibagendi had been a fulcrum in Ruto’s UDA campaigns being then an employee of the DP’s office.