Jubilee MPs warn colleagues they will reject them if nominated

Uhuru (left) and Ruto’s Jubilee has a majority in the House, but divisions in its ranks would be costly because they are likely to gang up with opposition CORD members.

By Vincent Bartoo

KE NYA: Jubilee Alliance MPs have warned their colleagues who they claim are putting pressure on President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto for appointments to Cabinet.  The North Rift MPs allied to Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP) specifically warned three lawmakers – a Senator and two members of the National Assembly – that they would reject their names in Parliament if they were nominated as Cabinet Secretaries.

The legislators, who did not want to be named for fear of antagonising their colleagues, declared they would oppose their names in Parliament if Uhuru and Ruto give in to their demands.

Particular individuals

“There are some three particular individuals who are arm twisting Uhuru and Ruto to get the posts despite having been elected,” said the MPs in Eldoret yesterday.

Kericho Senator Charles Keter, MPs Jamleck Kamau, and Aden Duale have been linked to positions as Cabinet Secretaries.  Yesterday, the MPs said the action by the elected leaders to push for Cabinet posts was costly because it would prompt xby-elections in their constituencies. “But it is also an affront to voters who had faith in the leaders who are now saying they are not interested in serving them,” added the MPs.

The National Assembly Committee on Appointments will vet the President’s nominees for Cabinet and the House will consider its report.

Jubilee has a majority in the House, but divisions in its ranks would be costly because they are likely to gang up with opposition CORD members.

The legislators said despite plans by Uhuru and Ruto to appoint Cabinet Secretaries from across Kenya, some few political heavyweights around them wanted “the old order”.

“They want us to go back to the era of rewarding cronies at the expense of the nation.

That must be resisted,” said the MPs. They called on Uhuru and Ruto not to heed to the demands of the few leaders saying they should emulate URP Chairman Francis ole Kaparo.

Step down

Mr Kaparo had been touted for Speaker of the Senate, but was prevailed upon to step down in favour of Ekwee Ethuro.

“Mr Ethuro was picked because he was from Turkana, which needs representation in Government to feel valued,” said the MPs.

The MPs asked allies of Uhuru and Ruto to let the two leaders appoint Cabinet Secretaries to reflect the face of Kenya and the change they promised.

Intense lobbying is said to be among The National Alliance and URP leaders who are seeking the 22 Cabinet posts.

Other sources close to Uhuru and Ruto told The Standard On Sunday yesterday that the two leaders were keen on giving the Cabinet a national outlook.

“I can for instance tell you with certainty that there will be two Cabinet Secretaries or Principal Secretaries from Nyanza,” said the top-ranking official.  He said the Uhuru administration was keen on uniting the country, starting with their appointments.

“They promised during the campaigns that they would build a united Kenya.  They want to lead by example. In the end we know a few people would be disappointed, but the nation would be happy,” added the official.