Major Political Party Defections that Occurred in 2023
The aftermath of the 2022 General Elections in Kenya brought about a notable surge in independent Members of Parliament (MPs) aligning themselves with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The MPs sought to secure their positions within the governing coalition.
However, as the political landscape unfolded in 2023, a series of defections ensued, with elected leaders, mostly from opposition parties casting aside their loyalties to throw their weight behind President William Ruto.
Here are some of the notable defections that occurred in 2023.
Moses Ole Sakuda
One of the prominent figures in this political realignment is Moses Ole Sakuda, the former Jubilee candidate for the senatorial position in Kajiado.
In a significant move, Sakuda defected from the Jubilee Party to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
His decision to align with UDA was announced at a gathering held at his Kimuka residence, where he declared his support for President William Ruto and celebrated the unity of his supporters under the UDA banner.
Elizabeth Ongoro
Another notable defection was announced by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala on July 24.
Elizabeth Ongoro, once a prominent figure in the ODM party, decided to join the UDA.
Ongoro, who faced disagreements with the ODM party after being denied a direct ticket in the 2017 elections, openly criticized the party for its use of youth in demonstrations.
Her move to UDA was framed as a response to what she perceived as deceit within the ODM party, emphasizing her commitment to a principled political stance.
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo
In another political shift, Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and his deputy Governor John Lowasa departed from the Jubilee Party to join the United Democratic Alliance on June 2, 2023.
Despite facing legal challenges for resigning from the party that initially sponsored their seats, both leaders openly registered members to the UDA.
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Governor Guyo expressed his excitement at serving under the President’s Party and expressed his readiness for any potential by-election resulting from his defection.
The trend extended to the Isiolo County Assembly, where the Speaker, Mohamed Roba Koto, also defected to the UDA amid ongoing grassroots mobilization and member registration.
Nick Salat
Nick Salat, the outspoken former Secretary General of the Kenya African National Unity (KANU), made headlines earlier in the year by ditching his long-time friend and confidant Gideon Moi to join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Salat was received by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala and other former KANU members into the UDA fold.
Salat, in explaining his decision, pointed to KANU’s diminished standing, stating that the outfit was no longer a household party and had deviated from its original principles of promoting peace, love, and unity.
Salat spoke of the need for a new political direction, stating, “We have decided it’s time to move on. We have sought a residence for our political ambitions.”
In response to Salat’s departure, KANU moved swiftly to nominate George Wainaina on March 9 to fill the void left by Salat.
Major Political Party Defections that Occurred in 2023
