Former minister Bett joins Uhuru’s Jubilee

What you need to know:

  • Mr Bett, who quit the ODM last year, said he has joined JAP because he wants to work with other Kalenjin leaders.
  • Mr Bett was one of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s closest lieutenants. It was Mr Odinga, as Prime Minister, who appointed him to the Roads docket.
  • He was rewarded for standing with Mr Odinga after most Kalenjin leaders joined Mr Ruto’s camp ahead of the 2013 General Election.

Former Roads minister Franklin Bett has joined President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP).

Mr Bett, who quit the ODM last year, said he has joined JAP because he wants to work with other Kalenjin leaders.

“I have realised that the best thing to do is to join hands with my fellow Kalenjin leaders under the direction of Deputy President William Ruto.

Beginning today, I will be with you in JAP because it is the party of the future,” he said in Bureti Constituency on Saturday.

Mr Ruto has merged his United Republican Party with The National Alliance of President Kenyatta to form JAP.

Mr Bett was one of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s closest lieutenants. It was Mr Odinga, as Prime Minister, who appointed him to the Roads docket.

He was rewarded for standing with Mr Odinga after most Kalenjin leaders joined Mr Ruto’s camp ahead of the 2013 General Election.

He thanked Mr Odinga for the gesture and the resultant development the position saw him bring to Kericho.

Mr Bett quit ODM and said he would announce his new party after exploring his options.

“I am in JAP to stay and if I opt to run for any seat, I will do so under JAP. If in the future Kalenjin leaders decide to change parties again, I will come along. I will never be left behind again,” he vowed.