President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Budalang'i MP Ababu Namuamba at State House Nairobi, September 5, 2017. [Photo|PSCU]The National Super Alliance (Nasa) Raila Odinga, and the entire coalition has suffered a major blow, after top Luhya politicians jumped ship, to support President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election.Flanked by his Deputy William Ruto, Kenyatta hosted, several leaders from the larger Western Kenya region at State House, Tuesday, ahead of the October presidential election.The leaders vowed to campaign for Uhuru in the region, which is perceived to be a Nasa stronghold.The leaders who jumped ship include:1. August 8 election ODM candidate for Bungoma gubernatorial seat Alfred Khang'ati, who said he was unhappy with how his party leader Raila Odinga treated him during the campaign period. He lost to Ford-Kenya candidate Wycliffe Wangamati.2. Busia County gubernatorial independent candidate Dr Paul Otuoma. He was an ODM candidate before cutting ties, to unseat Sospeter Ojaamong, who later secured his seat.3. United Democratic Party (UDP) presidential candidate Cyrus Jirongo. The former Lugari MP has vowed to support Uhuru, after he was beaten in the August race.4. Former Vihiga governor and Progressive Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Moses Akaranga. He lost to ODM's Wilberforce Otichillo in the August elections.During campaigns in Western Kenya, Nasa principals oftenly met with Akaranga, for possible political tag.
Other leaders present included Bifwoli Wakoli, former Budalang'i MP Ababu Namuamba, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, former Bungoma Governor and current Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, Sirisia MP John Waluke and Mumias East MP who is now the National Assembly Chief Whip Benjamin Washiali."We want to help prove that the over 54% on 8.8 was no fluke. Bring it on!" said Ababu.Their move to Jubilee deals a major blow to the Nasa, given that some of their supporters possibly voted for Raila, as the president.However, critics argue that some political rejects move to different political parties, without any impact on the ground.Jubilee has been making moves to the Mulembe nation, to dissolve the perceived Nasa support.