Mwingi North parliamentary aspirant Wakili Charles Mwalimu Kasela has announced his withdrawal from upcoming UDA empowerment programmes in Mwingi North and across Kitui County, citing what he termed a lack of inclusivity and unequal treatment of candidates.
In an official statement, Kasela said the decision followed consultations with his team and constituents. He maintained that his participation in the programmes would remain suspended until the UDA leadership in the county and local organising teams embraced what he described as genuine inclusivity and equal respect for all aspirants.
Kasela accused organisers of what he termed a calculated pattern of bias during recent empowerment events, claiming that aspirants for other elective positions were given opportunities to address residents while candidates seeking the Mwingi North parliamentary seat were allegedly subjected to unequal treatment.
According to the aspirant, only one preferred candidate has consistently been given an opportunity to address the public during the events, while his own voice and that of other contenders have allegedly been sidelined. He argued that such a situation undermines the spirit of fairness within the party.
Kasela further stated that UDA empowerment programmes should primarily serve as platforms for mobilising support for President William Ruto and his 2027 re-election bid, rather than being transformed into platforms for promoting individual candidates or creating preferred candidate line-ups.
Despite his withdrawal from the programmes, Kasela emphasised that his support for President Ruto remains intact. He said he would instead intensify his grassroots mobilisation independently, engaging directly with residents and building his political network ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Mwingi North aspirant said he would remain committed to his political ambitions until UDA officially determines its candidates through a fair and transparent process. He described his position as a stand for respect, inclusivity and fairness, while declaring that his grassroots mobilisation would continue unabated.
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