NAIROBI– The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General, Senator Hassan Omar Hassan, on Saturday officially welcomed Rashid Kassim Amin, the immediate former Member of Parliament for Wajir East, into the party.

The former legislator defected from the Wiper Democratic Movement, marking yet another significant political realignment in the Northern Kenya region.

Kassim was accompanied by Mr. Yusuf Abdi, OGW, from the Executive Office of the President, during the official welcoming ceremony at the UDA headquarters in Nairobi.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Kassim said his decision to join UDA followed deep reflection and extensive consultations with community elders, religious leaders, and his supporters.

He noted that the move was guided by the desire to align with a government that is actively delivering tangible results for the people of Wajir and the wider North Eastern region.

“As a representative of the people of Wajir, I could not stand aside or oppose a government that is implementing real development on the ground,” he stated.

The former MP emphasized that his decision was not driven by personal ambition or political convenience, but by a genuine commitment to service and collaboration.

“This move is about partnership, development, and ensuring that our people are not left behind in the national transformation agenda being championed by President William Ruto,” he added.

Kassim further pledged to be a reliable partner in implementing government programmes and to serve as a strong and consistent voice for the people of Wajir and the greater North Eastern region.

On his part, UDA Secretary General Sen. Hassan Omar welcomed Hon. Kassim’s decision, terming it a testament to the party’s growing appeal across the country.

UDA Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar Hassan welcoming immediate Wajir East MP Rashid Kassim to UDA after he defected from WIPER. Photo/Courtesy 

He said UDA remains open to leaders who are committed to advancing the government’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda and fostering inclusive growth.

Kassim’s defection adds to the growing list of leaders from the Northern region who have joined the ruling party, as UDA continues to consolidate its political base ahead of future national and regional engagements.