[A file photo of former West Mugirango MP James Gesami. He has defended his move to join Jubilee. Courtesy: The Star]
Immediate former West Mugirango MP James Gesami has defended his move to ditch Opposition party ODM for Jubilee.
In an interview with The Star Newspaper, Gesami noted that he had decided to support President Uhuru Kenyatta and his reelection ahead of the October 26 repeat polls after "soul searching and wide consultations."
Gesami unsuccessfully vied for the Nyamira gubernatorial seat during the August general elections, losing to the incumbent governor John Nyagarama.
Gesami vied as an independent candidate after unsuccessfully soughting the ODM party ticket during the April party primaries.
"After I lost the governor's race, I took a break from politics to soul search and consult widely. While at it, Uhuru and Deputy President William Ruto approached me to support them," he said.
"Since I lost the acrimonious ODM nominations, NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga has not looked for me. I have decided to join Jubilee and support Uhuru's re-election bid. It is no longer speculation," he added.
The former lawmaker was formally welcomed into the ruling party by Education CS Fred Matiang'i on Sunday.