President William Ruto won the hearts of 30 Jubilee lawmakers following a closed-door meeting at State House in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 8.
Ruto publicly announced that the Jubilee Members of Parliament had decamped from the former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee party and vowed to join Kenya Kwanza in advancing its interests and delivering its promises to the people.
“You have a right to make choices as Kenya is a democratic country. You are now our members and we will treat you as such,” Ruto stated.
Before going public with the new development, Ruto made four promises to the Jubilee lawmakers led by Balambala MP Omar Shurie, Eldas MP Adan Keynan and Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces promised the Jubilee MPs they would receive funding to initiate development projects in their constituencies.
According to insiders, the MPs who defied orders from their seniors to meet the president, were also promised lucrative committee positions in parliament.
They were also assured backup in advocating for different Bills in the August House.
Additionally, the Jubilee MPs were offered preferential treatment offered to lawmakers aligned with the ruling coalition and also attended regular Kenya Kwanza meetings.
The president also promised to scale up food and water provision in the constituencies of the MPs who visited State House.
In return, Ruto directed them to ditch Azimio and their planned countrywide rallies. Further, the President asked the legislators to support Bills tabled by the Kenya Kwanza side in parliament.
“We will be seeking your support on Bills and regulations on the Housing Fund, Water Purchasing Agreements, among others,” Ruto stated.
To honour their Memorandum of Understanding, a section of Jubilee lawmakers led by former Kieni MP Kanini Kega, suspended the party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and Vice Chairperson David Murathe.
They also initiated the process of officially ditching Azimio la Umoja to join Kenya Kwanza.
To counter their scheme, Kioni initiated disciplinary action against Kega, Sabina Chege, Keynan and Dullo.
“This is to notify you that the said petition has been forwarded to the Party Disciplinary Committee as provided for by our party Constitution to process, and they will be contacting you in due course,” Kioni stated.
To further prove their defiance, former president Uhuru Kenyatta pledged his loyalty to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the burial of former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof George Omore Magoha.
Uhuru further affirmed his place in Azimio despite plans by Kega’s faction to exit the Raila-led Azimio.
“My brother, my friend, my party leader Raila Odinga fellow mourners, we are here to join you today to celebrate the life of a great son,” Uhuru stated.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
