Former Raila’s Aide Silas Jakakimba Joins UDA Party
Silas Jakakimba, once an aide to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, has now formally become a member of the governing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
This occurs several months following his departure from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
On Tuesday, Cleophas Malala, the Secretary-General of the UDA, welcomed Jakakimba.
Jakakimba stated that he stepped down from ODM to lend his support to President William Ruto and his government.
“Today, I am here to announce my formal entry into the United Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya,” he said.
He mentioned that his action confirms the increasing popularity of the party in Nyanza as well as nationwide.
“I intend to join the many Nyanza people who are now increasingly ready to mobilize, popularise, and even contest for elections on the UDA platform,” Jakakimba said.
“Joining UDA confirms my belief that the party is a national party with a national constituency and an even brighter future in the path of grounding and consolidating democratic gains in our years-old quest for good governance in the Joint Republic.”
The ex-assistant of Raila expressed satisfaction that Ruto has supported Raila’s candidacy for the African Union Chairmanship.
“I have severally, in the past year, expressed my strong belief that Baba needs to step back from the rigors of local politics and focus on a continental assignment,” he said.
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“Jakom has done his bit locally, has had his chances, and even within ODM, leave alone Azimio, the discussion now is: ‘Who next?”
Jakakimba said that he has worked for Raila for more than 19 years adding that it is his time to move forward.
“It is necessary that moving forward, all democrats agree that it is more important and urgent, to remain eternally loyal to democratic ideals and attendant principles of strong and accountable governance. That is the space where I am today, politically. And, God- plus time, are on our side,” he added.
Jakakimba stated that he backed Ruto right after his presidential declaration due to Ruto’s deliberate leadership qualities.
He said that the President has managed to stabilize the country within a short time.
“Now, I intend to join him, and the UDA Formation, to further that mandate and deliver the Plan to the People of Kenya. Where I come from, the great Kavirondo Belt of the Nyanza region, the delivery of the Plan is massively ongoing,” he said.
“We can see it all across the country. Today, I join the UDA formation willingly, aware of the work ahead.”
He thanked Malala and the Party Secretariat for welcoming him saying he is ready for any assignment.
Former Raila’s Aide Silas Jakakimba Joins UDA Party