The newly launched Jubilee Party has suffered a huge blow after 30 MCAs formerly allied to Deputy President William Ruto's URP party defected to independence party Kanu.
The MCAs were part of elected leaders from Rift Valley who were expected to join the newly launched Jubilee Party that was launched on Saturday at Kasarani, Nairobi.
URP, the party under which they were elected in 2013 is among parties that folded up to join Jubilee Party led by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The MCAs, mainly from West Pokot county decamped on Tuesday at an event presided over by Senator Prof John Lonyangapuo.
They were received by the senator who assured them of fair and free nominations in Kanu.
The senator took time to warn members of the independence party against joining the Jubilee Party.
Kanu is among parties which declined to join Jubilee Party which Uhuru intends to ride on to seek for reelection in 2017.
The party is facing resistance especially from South Rift after key politicians from the area declined to join the new political outfit.
Key among them are Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and outspoken Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter.