For over a decade, Bill Arocho was known for his close and informal ties with high-profile politicians in the country, including retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He worked as a private bouncer for politicians, providing VVIP security until he decided to step away from this demanding role in December of the previous year.
During his departure from the security scene, Arocho promised to reveal his next career move to Nairobi News. That revelation came on a Tuesday when he announced his defection from President Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The announcement was made during a press conference, alongside UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.
Despite his shift in allegiance, Arocho made it clear that his friendship with President Kenyatta remains intact.
In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, he credited the retired Head of State for positively influencing his life.
Arocho expressed his gratitude, stating that thanks to President Kenyatta, he has experienced significant improvements in his life, even moving from one side of Uhuru Highway to the other.
Regarding his decision to join UDA, Arocho emphasized that life moves on, and he chose to follow his friends in the political realm.
He assured that he had discussed his plans with President Kenyatta, who had no objections. The retired president’s response demonstrated his democratic spirit, encouraging Arocho to pursue his own path.
” I told him that âI think now Iâm going to follow my friendsâ and he was like âokayâ. In fact, he had no issues. He has no problem. Heâs a democrat. He said âBilly, you are young enough, you go on with life,â Mr Arocho told Nairobi News.
It’s worth noting that during the 2013 and 2017 presidential elections, President Kenyatta ran and won on the Jubilee Party ticket, with Dr. Ruto serving as his deputy. Arocho was an open supporter of President Kenyatta during these elections but shifted his allegiance to Mr. Raila Odinga in the last election, following a bitter fallout between President Kenyatta and Dr. Ruto.
Arocho claimed that he had been friends with President Ruto since the latter’s days as Deputy President and the deputy leader of the Jubilee Party. This friendship led to his comfortable transition of support to the UDA, as he pledged his loyalty to the newly elected President Ruto.
The move from Jubilee to UDA marked a significant shift for Arocho and attracted attention due to his association with prominent political figures. As a former bouncer, he brought a unique perspective and approach to politics, making his presence notable during various political events.
