Moses Kuria Withraws PEP Candidature From Kiambaa By-Elections in Support of UDA
People's Empowerment Party (PEP) will not be fielding a candidate in the July 15 Kiambaa by-election in favour of UDA.
Kipkoech Marus 
People's Empowerment Party (PEP) leader Moses Kuria has announced that he will not be fielding a candidate in the upcoming July 15 by-elections in Kiambaa Constituency, instead back a UDA candidate.
The announcement by the Gatundu South lawmaker comes after it was alleged that a rift had developed within Deputy President William Ruto's inner circle.
In a social media post on Monday, May 24, Kuria revealed that there were disparities between him and some leaders within Hustler Nation, in particular, Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagu and his Kikuyu counterpart Kimani Ichung'wa over the DP Camp's candidature in Kiambaa.
The legislator stated that the decision by PEP to back down from the constest was advised by consultations with DP William Ruto and the consideration of a bigger picture for the Tanga Tanga brigade.
"Yesterday I held extensive discussions with my boss and friend H.E Dr William Ruto on this matter. To make my two colleagues happy and above all for the unity of the Hustler Nation, PEP will NOT be fielding a candidate for the Kiambaa by election," Kuria stated.
"I take this opportunity to offer my profuse apologies to Hon Raymond Kuria, the people of Kiambaa and all PEP members who undoubtedly will be disappointed with this decision.
"The good news is we will now focus on a nationwide tour to meet candidates who will be vying for various seats in next year's General Elections on PEP ticket. God bless PEP, God bless The Hustler Nation, God bless Kenya," the MP said.
His actions welcomed praise from Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata who described the Gatundu South legislator as an astute leader within DP Ruto's camp.
"Moses Kuria, a master strategician, is a ranking member of Tanga Tanga. By his two wins in Juja and Gaturi, he has eclipsed pretenders to DP throne in Hustler Nation, at least from my own perspective. Happy that he has agreed to look at the wider picture in Kiambaa," Kang'ata stated.
Kuria stated that Hustler Nation comprises of PEP, UDA, Mwangi Kiunjuri-led TSP and ex-South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara-led PDP are all united in the advancement of the Hustler Nation agenda.
