Wiper Party Secretary General Hassan Omar has dismissed claims that the party has been weakened by defection of several members to the newly launched Jubilee Party.
Omar says that Wiper is still strong and its popularity in UKambani and across the country will not be affected by the defection of some members.
Speaking on phone on Monday, the Mombasa senator said that the party will convene to discuss the defections.
“We are not worried by the defections and we want to make it clear that Wiper activities will not be halted by a few members who have decided to go somewhere else,” he said on phone.
The senator said that defectors had a right to decide where they want to be.
He indicated that the party has structures and that they will decide on the next step to be taken following defection of some members.
On Saturday several Wiper members defected to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party.
Among the defectors are Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, Yatta’s Francis Mwangangi and Kilome’s Rachel Ndambuki, Joe Mutambu (Mwingi Central), Munuve Matin (Mwingi North) among others.
Political analysts say that the defection is a major blow to Wiper which is a member of Cord.
Peter Ngure, a Kiambu based analyst observe that Wiper popularity may be affected following the huge defection.
He also notes that chances of Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka of being endorsed as Cord flag bearer in 2017 may be hampered by the defection of key party members.