Raila Odinga has suffered a blow after Mandera Senator-elect Ali Roba together with other leaders from the region ditched the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition for Kenya Kwanza Alliance.


President-elect William Ruto received Roba, who is the leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and his entourage at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.

Ruto took to social media to laud Roba’s move as he ushered him into his team.


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“We salute the United Democratic Movement (UDM) leadership for abandoning Azimio La Umoja and joining Kenya Kwanza,” Ruto said.

“UDM Party Leader and Mandera Senator-Elect Ali Roba, Deputy Party Leader and Marsabit Governor-Elect Mohamud Ali and Mandera Governor-Elect Mohamed Adan Khalif were present at the Karen Residence, Nairobi County.”


Others leaders who were in Roba’s exodus include Deputy Governor-Elect Mandera Ali Maalim, Wajir Senator-Elect Abbas Sheikh, MPs Umulkheir Kassim (Mandera), Bashir Abdullahi (Mandera North), Kullow Hassan (Banisa), Joseph Lekuton (Laisamis), Mangale Munga Chiforomodo (Lunga Lunga), AbdulEnrahim Haro (Mandera South) and Adan Haji (Mandera West).


Roba was among the first members of the Azimio coalition to acknowledge Ruto’s win and congratulated him.

“Kenyans have spoken and the will of the Almighty God has prevailed in favour of HE William Ruto. I want take this opportunity to congratulate William Ruto and his Deputy for the win. We must respect the verdict of IEBC and move on as Azimio team. Kenya is bigger than all of us,” Roba said.


UDM party’s spoils from the recent elections include 7 National Assembly members, 2 senators, 2 Governors and 40 MCAs across the country.