By John Mugendi
Three leaders from Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties have ditched Deputy President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance after losing in the recent party nominations.
Former Tharaka Nithi Governor and Senatorial aspirant Samuel Ragwa who was floored by Mukothima MCA Mwenda Gataya accused Governor Muthomi Njuki of interfering with the primaries in favour of his rival.
Chaos, rigging claims and drama marred the April 14 UDA nominations.
Mr Ragwa said he had lost confidence in the party and maintained that he will be at the ballot as an independent candidate in the quest to succeed Senator Kithure Kindiki who has said he will not be seeking reelection.
After recently ditching Jubilee Party for UDA, Embu Senator Njeru Ndwiga has quit the Deputy President William Ruto’s outfit over alleged voter bribery in the nominations.
He lost the party ticket to Embu Deputy Governor David Kariuki who garnered 27, 000 votes.
Election materials were burnt down by rowdy youths in Embu town which saw Manyatta MP John Muchiri and former Gachoka MP Norman Nyagah summoned by UDA disciplinary committee.
“I will seek my reelection as an independent candidate,” Mr Ndwiga told journalists.
Sources revealed that the Manyatta MP had also quit UDA after losing the gubernatorial primaries.
