Amani leaders differ on plans to ditch Jubilee

Amani coalition leaders have differed over plans to cut links with President Kenyatta’s Jubilee government due to unfulfilled promises and alleged corruption.

Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali and his Lugari counterpart Ayub Savula denounced the statement made after the alliance’s weekend retreat in Nakuru, saying it was a New Ford Kenya affair.

Interestingly, party leader Musalia Mudavadi was also present at the press conference, although the statement was read by New Ford Kenya secretary-general Benjamin Mwema.

The MPs said while concerns were raised at the meeting over the future of the coalition in the Jubilee government, proposals to withdraw were defeated and wondered why Mr Muema committed the coalition leaders to the planned withdrawal.

But Mr Washiali, who is also the Jubilee coalition’s deputy chief whip, said: “I never heard this issue of us severing links with Jubilee. We did not discuss this matter. This statement by Muema is very unfortunate.”

The legislator said the Amani leadership was shocked when the statement was read out at the press conference without adoption.

“We are working very closely with the government. What we have seen here is New Ford Kenya complaining here and there. It should not be taken that the entire Amani is not happy,” he said.

Mr Washiali said that UDF and New Ford Kenya had different agreements with the President’s coalition and that parties interested in withdrawing should do so on their own.

Mr Savula said that a proposal to have the coalition withdraw from the Jubilee government was made by some disgruntled elements but it was defeated.

“We only agreed that we will be pushing to have UDF party leader Musalia Mudavadi and New Ford Kenya’s Eugene Wamalwa allowed to attend the coalition’s joint parliamentary group meetings attended by Deputy President or the President as party leaders,” he said.

Mr Muema, however, said: “Everybody endorsed that statement. What I know is that some MPs were uncomfortable because they think the Jubilee coalition will throw them out parliamentary committees and positions,” he said.

on Sunday, the coalition released a press statement confirming the adoption of a position that partners will now operate independently as the alternative voice of Kenyans.