Bill Arocho Otunga, a long-time ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has made a surprising move by defecting from the ruling Jubilee Party to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The announcement was made during a press conference attended by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
In his statement, Mr. Arocho cited several reasons for his decision to join UDA. Firstly, he emphasized his close friendship with Ruto, who was not only his deputy party leader but also a personal friend. Additionally, he mentioned being influenced by the recent appointments of prominent figures like Moses Kuria and Kipchumba Murkomen to key positions within the UDA.
Throughout Mr. Kenyatta’s 10-year presidency, Mr. Arocho was often seen at state functions, rubbing shoulders with the retired Head of State and other top government officials. He had been involved in providing private security services for important personalities for over two decades, but in a December 2022 interview with Nairobi News, he revealed his intention to retire from that career. The physically demanding nature of his work played a role in his decision to step down.
Regarding his future plans, Mr. Arocho hinted at venturing into a different line of work, though he did not disclose specifics at that time. Now, with his defection to UDA, he seems to have made a bold move in the political arena.
Mr. Arocho’s political allegiances have seen a significant shift over the years. During the 2013 and 2017 General Elections, he openly supported Mr. Kenyatta. However, he later switched his allegiance to Mr. Raila Odinga during the last year’s polls. Now, with President Ruto’s victory in the presidential race, he has pledged his loyalty to Ruto and the UDA.
