Nick Salat leads KANU defectors to UDA

Former Kenya African National Unity (KANU) Secretary General Nick Salat on Wednesday, March 15 led a group of the independent party’s defectors to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

The team was welcomed by the new UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.

“It’s just a process that is yet to achieve its climax. They have felt UDA has unique attributes and one of them is the focus to change this country.

“The President is committed to liberating the country from years of misrule,” Malala said.

On his part, Salat said their stay in KANU was no longer tenable after the outfit deviated from its rallying call of peace, love, and unity.

“We have decided it’s time to move on. We have sought a residence for our political ambitions.

“Kanu’s rallying call of peace, love, and unity is no more. It is all gone,” Salat said.

KANU replaces Salat

KANU on Thursday, March 9 nominated George Wainaina to replace Salat who defected to the Kenya Kwanza alliance in January.

Prior to his nomination, Wainaina was serving as the National Executive Director of the independence party.

“Today, KANU held its special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by the National Chairman Hon. Gideon Moi to deliberate on a raft of issues critical to the running and management of the affairs of the party.

“This was a follow-up meeting of the previous one held on Friday, February 11, 2023 at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa, in which the Chairman was mandated by a unanimous resolution to nominate suitable individuals for deliberations and adoption by the NEC to fill the vacant national positions.

“While announcing the names in compliance to the said resolution, the Chairman said he had reflected seriously and consulted widely on the matter,” a statement by the party read in part.

Ibrahim Sheikh and Naisula Lesuuda were nominated as 1st and 2nd Chairman respectively.

Job Waka took over as the new National Executive Director, while Gladwell Cheruiyot has been nominated as Tungo KANU Women Congress National Chairperson.

“The members of NEC unanimously adopted the proposal and the officials are to begin their tour of duty effective immediately.

“Additionally, pursuant to the resolution of the last NEC meeting that directed the National Elections Board to develop a framework for conducting party elections, it was resolved that the party commences a 90-day nationwide membership recruitment drive.

“Thereafter, the National Elections Board to conduct party elections to ensure that the officials who occupy office derive their mandate from the party members,” the statement added.