- Johnson Muthama’s remarks follow a viral social media post that indicated there are plans by the UDA party to drop him as its chairman
- The report indicated that Kipchumba Murkomen and Aaron Cheruiyot are plotting to replace Johnson Muthama as the UDA chairman
- On Tuesday, May 10, Johnson Muthama skipped William Ruto’s Machakos rally, lifting the lid on emerging cracks in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) national chairman Johnson Muthama has denied claims he is ailing and unable to chair the party.
His remarks follow a viral social media post that indicated there are plans by the Deputy President William Ruto-led party to drop Muthama as its chairman.
“Fake news ignore,” Muthama wrote on his official Twitter handle on Saturday, July 16.
Johnson Muthama goes after his opponents
The Machakos gubernatorial candidate urged his opponents to direct their energy to coming up with ideas and gaining an understanding of the population’s daily concerns, and taking a constructive approach.
“They are sorely mistaken if they think they can win over the people of Machakos and Kenya by merely stirring controversy,” Muthama said.
According to the reports, Senators Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) are plotting to replace Muthama as the UDA chairman, claiming that the latter has failed to popularise the party in the Eastern region owing to his deteriorating health.
“According to a credible source, the two raised the issue with the DP alleging that Muthama/s health was hampering their campaigns in Ukambani despite Muthama receiving KSh 4.5 million weekly for logistics and facilitation in the region from Mr Fareed Sheikh,” the post reads in part.
Cordination of UDA activities in Ukambani
The post further went on to state that following the divination, Ruto’s Chief of Staff, Davis Chirchir advised that Muthama should retain his position as UDA chairman.
“However, all political activities in the Eastern region be coordinated by one Mdam Anastacia with a keen focus on Makueni county,” the post further reads.
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that there could be cracks in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance after Muthama skipped Ruto’s Machakos rally on Tuesday, May 10.
This came a day after Machakos governor Alfred Mutua dumped the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party for Kenya Kwanza Alliance over alleged mistrust.
Mutua hosted Ruto at Tala town and drummed support for his 2022 presidential bid.
The rally was attended by Kenya Kwanza Alliance principals Moses Wetang’ula, Musalia Mudavadi and other leaders allied with the DP.
Storm in Ukambani over Mutua entrance in Ruto’s camp
However, conspicuously absent was Muthama, despite the county being his backyard where he is eyeing to replace Mutua as governor.
According to Daily Nation, Muthama instead hosted the UDA Presidential Campaign, South Eastern team at his Mua Hills.
The team led by Fred Muteti later held a press briefing in Muthama’s absence, further raising eyebrows.
“We welcome all partners to the Kenya Kwanza Alliance but remind them not to come with demands but to respect us because we are like the first wife, “Moses Banda, the resource mobilisation coordinator in the team, stated.
