If you’re unhappy in Jubilee leave, MP tells colleagues

Deputy President William Ruto was in the South Rift for the second day on Saturday in what is seen as a move to quell criticism that TNA is short-changing URP in the Jubilee government.

In a direct response to Mr Ruto’s critics Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johanna Ngeno told leaders of his Kalenjin community who are dissatisfied with the manner in which the Jubilee coalition is running things to quit.

Speaking at a function attended by Deputy President William Ruto at Ololunga Boys High School yesterday Mr Ngeno said the coalition is not for the Kalenjins and Kikuyu communities only or between the DP and President Uhuru Kenyatta but for all Kenyans.

“Members of the Kalenjin community who want to leave because they are not happy with the way the government was being run should leave. This country does not belong to you or the Kikuyus. It belongs to all communities,” he said drawing keen attention, laughter and signs of approval from the DP.

Mr Ngeno said the removal of Mr Kiplimo Rugut as the National Youth Service (NYS) Director did not warrant the Kalenjin and its leaders to try and rock the coalition boat, charging that Kalenjins are not superior to other Kenyan tribes. Mr Ng’eno spoke on Friday evening where the DP opened the school dining hall. He donated Sh500,000 from the President and another Sh1.5 million as his contribution towards the expansion of its infrastructure.

Mr Ng’eno  sentiments were supported by MPs  Korei Lemein (Narok South), the host, Patrick Ntutu (Narok West), Ayub Savula (Lugari), Robert Lelit (Samburu), women’s representative Soipan Tuya and Narok County Governor Samuel Tunai and Senator Stephen ole Ntutu who pledged allegiance to the deputy president and the government.

AVOIDED POLITICS

The Deputy President avoided politics when he rose to speak and asked all communities and leaders to unite to change the lives of Kenyans for the better.

“The Jubilee administration took power to change lives of Kenyans for the better. All leaders irrespective of their background and religion should support us in our mission,” he said.

Last Sunday, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter, Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot and Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat skipped a morning prayer service attended by the DP in Kericho on Sunday last week, only to attend a fundraiser in Bureti Constituency later that afternoon.

During the fundraiser at the Litein Africa Gospel Church, the politicians lashed out at the DP, accusing him of unilateral, high-handed leadership and remaining silent even when URP continued to be short-changed in the government.

Governor Ruto said there was no space for “kings” in modern age and said the Kalenjin community was not ready to be placed under iron-fisted leadership because “it is very difficult to serve under a king”.

“The Kalenjin community never had a king who used to issue orders. Community elders would hold consultations under a tree and discuss issues and that is what we should be doing,” he said.

The rebel MPs also slammed Leader of Majority Aden Duale, accusing him of treating Kalenjin leaders with contempt after the Garissa Township MP referred to Mr Keter as a political broker.