Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri joins UDA, eyes Nairobi governor seat

By  Kevin Cheruiyot

Correspondent

Kasarani legislator Ronald Karauri has officially joined the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, bringing his wait with the broad-based government affiliate party Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to an end.

Mr Karauri had been tipped as one of the MPs expected to join ODM this week. However, he has instead joined the UDA and announced his intention to vie for the Nairobi governor seat. 

He was received by UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar and other leaders including the National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie, Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu and a number of MCAs from the party as well as aspirants.

In his remarks, Mr Karauri said that he is ready to hit the road and popularise the party across the 17 constituencies ahead of the next General Election.

“The agenda is to change the lives of residents in Nairobi. To the young people, the next election belongs to you. We want to create jobs for the youth. As you vote, pick someone who will create jobs, who will transform your lives. The journey of transforming Nairobi has just started,” Mr Karauri said.

He said that under Governor Sakaja, the city had been left in a mess, but that he would turn things around if Nairobians elect him.

“I have worked with everyone, including my brothers in ODM. Nairobi is a broad-base zone. I want to urge all the people that I have worked with to join me in this new journey of delivery."

ODM turnaround 

The move to vie for Nairobi's top seat raises stakes in the city, which is being battled by top leaders across major political parties.

During the reception of Governor Sakaja to ODM, deputy leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati had revealed that Mr Karauri would also be ushered into the party, and face off with other governor aspirants in the nominations.

Also, during the build up to the Jacaranda Ground’s rally to make the first anniversary of the death of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, Mr Karauri was among the leaders and aspirants who held talks with Governor Arati.

“Our Nairobi chairperson Aladwa is also seeking the Nairobi governor seat. He will fight with Governor Sakaja for the ticket here. If Karauri decides to come, we will welcome him the same way as we have done with Sakaja. The only assurance we want to give our people is that we will have free, fair and transparent nominations,” Mr Arati said.

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