Rift MPs deny Mau, Ringera deal

Five MPs from the Rift Valley have discounted reports of a deal allegedly struck between them and a section of their PNU counterparts aimed at "making safe" crucial reports of Parliament.

The MPs convened a media conference at Parliament buildings on Wednesday to deny claims that they had been compromised to serve specific interests.

Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto led the Rift leaders in dismissing the reports saying the “allegations had dented their reputation among their constituents.”

It was alleged on Tuesday that some Rift Valley MPs had struck a deal with a section of PNU MPs that would see the government compensate all the people settled in the Mau before their eviction.

In exchange, the said PNU MPs were to benefit from the deal as they count on the support of their “brothers from the Rift Valley” to throw out the report by a joint Parliamentary committee seeking to revoke the reappointment of Justice Aaron Ringera.

While the MP demanded an apology from Environment minister John Michuki who first warned of the horse-trading, he did not explain where the guilt was coming from given that Mr Michuki’s statement did not mention the parties involved in the deal.

Kipkelion MP Magerer Langat, Eldama Ravine MP Moses Lesonet and Sotik MP Joyce Laboso said lawmakers had to “vote with their conscience” and not according to any “corporate agreement.”

“We are disgusted by the allegation (that we have been bribed) and demand an apology from those alleging the same,” he said.

Dr Laboso said: "All along you've known our stand. Why are you trying to impute improper motive on our part."

Mr Lesonet said no meetings took place in the office of Agriculture minister William Ruto to discuss any horse-trading over the Mau and the debate on the report seeking to revoke the reappointment of Justice Aaron Ringera to the helm of KACC.

“People (MPs) went to see the minister to discuss official matters. No such thing as a trade-off was discussed,” said the Eldama Ravine MP.

Mr Magerer added: “We cannot be bribed; we do uphold our personal integrity…and we’ll use all means at our disposal to force an apology.”

The MPs said the whole issue about bribery and horse-trading between MPs allied to the Agriculture Minister and those allied to the Finance minister Uhuru Kenyatta were just a “smear campaign bordering on arm-twisting” the MPs.

“Two people can meet and discuss anything. And if Uhuru and Ruto met that should not be taken to mean that they were asked to influence the MPs. Deal or no deal we have to fight to force the President to respect the law,” said the Chepalungu MP.

The bribery claims, which are usually difficult to prove, had hinted that the deal would see the MPs walk out to frustrate the their colleagues who want the adoption of the report on Mr Ringera’s appointment.

“There will be no walk-out. We’ll sit in there and vote as individuals. Please stop talking about a corporate stand on such issues,” said Mr Ruto.

When Mr Michuki raised the matter in the House, nominated MP Millie Odhiambo asked him to substantiate, but the Environment minister let the matter die.

“We have some respect for wazee and we’d not risk being repetitive by forcing the minister to substantiate,” said Mr Ruto.

At a separate media conference  at the same venue, Garsen MP Danson Mungatana, Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and Konoin MP Julius Kones said they were “not aware of the deals cut behind the scenes.”

Mr Mungatana, who complained to the Speaker the first time the Sunday Nation carried reports of bribery in the august House, said such reports are often difficult to prove.

“Unless one has enough information, we cannot go far with repeating the claims, we’ll just have to treat it as a rumour,” said Mr Mungatana.

Mr Wamalwa and Mr Kones said: ‘We’d better not pursue that matter without adequate information.”

Reported by Alphonce Shiundu, Lucas Barasa and John Ngirachu.