The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has received a major boost in the upcoming by-election in Evurore Ward in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu county after Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) withdrew its candidate in favour of the ruling party.
The decision was communicated by CCK Party leader Moses Kuria, who joined UDA earlier this week, saying the move was aimed at consolidating pro-government votes in the upcoming mini-polls.
Speaking in Embu Town on Saturday, after holding consultations talks with senior UDA officials, Kuria said the move aimed at ensuring a decisive victory for the ruling party in the elections to be held in three weeks’ time on February 26.
The CCK party leader, who was accompanied by Mbeere North MP Leonard Muthende alongside other UDA officials, said the Mt. Kenya Region and its interests would be well taken care of by the UDA administration under the stewardship of President Dr. William Ruto.
Muthende welcomed the move, saying it would greatly boost their chances of clinching the seat, as well as the one for Muminji Ward that they were also eyeing.
The immediate former CCK candidate, Kenneth Njeru, confirmed that he had stepped down from the race and pledged his full support for Duncan Muratia of UDA.
Njeru said his decision to withdraw was guided by his party leader’s position and a shared development agenda with UDA.
He emphasised that unity among like-minded leaders was key to accelerating development in Evurore Ward.
The by-election is now expected to be a tightly watched contest as UDA continues to consolidate support from allied parties.
By Samuel Waititu
