President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza camp is facing internal mind conflicts following a move by current and ex-Jubilee MPs to work with the government.
Ruto’s allies in UDA are uneasy with the entry of the politicians whom they claim used the former regime to harass them during campaigns.
After elected MPs last week resolved to work with Kenya Kwanza, former Jubilee lawmakers- main supporters of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta- over the weekend rallied behind Ruto.
Former MPs could benefit from lucrative state jobs when President Ruto reorganizes his administration to include the new partners as he consolidates government.
While President Ruto has insisted that he is ready to work with all leaders who want to join hands with him, his lieutenants are quietly resisting the coming on board of their former rivals.
On Tuesday, a UDA MP from Mt Kenya, who spoke off the record because of the sensitivity of the matter, said that the “johnny-come-lately should wait on the bench”.
They want them to first confess the evils they did during the campaigns and also denounce ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Some of these politicians were hurling insults at us and calling us thieves, they even went ahead to use national government administration officers to really harass us, what has changed?” posed the MP.
The MP argued that while the President is keen to bring on board as many leaders as possible, those seeking accommodation in the Kenya Kwanza “house must be vetted”.
“It is unfortunate that the same people who persecuted us are now walking into our sitting room with the aim of occupying the bedroom,” the politician lamented.
During the campaigns, UDA politicians braved immense political opposition from some Jubilee government-backed candidates who accused the then regime of political persecution.
Some 30 MPs elected on the Jubilee ticket led by party Director of Elections and EALA lawmaker Kanini Kega and nominated MP Sabina Chege have crossed over and vowed to back Ruto.
It is anticipated that the Jubilee MPs will angle for lucrative parliamentary posts reserved for Kenya Kwanza including being accommodated in committees.
This would escalate the cutthroat competition that has rocked Kenya Kwanza as bigwigs have already occupied key committees in Parliament.
It is, however, not clear how President Ruto will navigate Jubilee expectations and the limited slots as part of a deal to accommodate the newcomers.
The Jubilee politicians have initiated a radical surgery at the helm of the Jubilee leadership and started the process to kick out Jeremiah Kioni(Secretary General) and David Murathe (Vice-chairperson).
They have also written to the registrar of political parties seeking to exit the Azimio coalition and formally develop a working relationship with Kenya Kwanza.
On Monday Anne Nderitu wrote back to the MPs led by Deputy Secretary General Joshua Jutuny asking them to follow the relevant provisions of the Azimio coalition in their exit plans.
Two weeks ago President William Ruto met the 30 Jubilee MPs at State House.
The lawmakers also joined Ruto for a thanksgiving service in Nakuru on Sunday.
The MPs are Margret Kamar (nominated), Joseph Githuku Kamau (Lamu), Bonaya Gollo (Isiolo Women Rep), Jerusha Mongina (Nyamira Women Rep), Peter Mbogho (Mwatate), Shuriye Abdi Omar (Balambala), Adan Daud Mohamed (Wajir East), and Adan Keynan (Eldas).
Others were Mohamed Tubi (Isiolo South), Joseph Lomwa (Isiolo North), Shadrach Mwiti (South Imenti), Dan Karitho (Igembe Central), Rachel Nyamae (Kitui South), Zachariah Kwennya Thuku (Kinangop), David Kiaraho (Ol Kalao), Noxon Ngikolong (Turkana East), and Sarah Korere (Laikipia North).
Irene Njoki (Bahati), John Waluke (Sirisia), Stephen Mogaka (West Mugirango), Amos Mwago (Starehe), and Kanini Kega (EALA) were also present.
