Jubilee rejects ODM claims of sabotage

The Jubilee coalition has dismissed claims by the Orange Democratic Movement that it was sowing discord among the opposition members.

The ruling coalition said it was wrong for ODM to accuse the alliance, with Majority Leader Aden Duale saying the coalition was focused on improving the living standards of Kenyans and not on cheap politics.

Some ODM members have claimed that the recent discord witnessed in the party led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga originated from Jubilee. (READ: Keep off our elections, ODM tells rival Jubilee)

“We have no business at all in getting involved in ODM affairs. It would be a tragedy if we did so because we would be getting into a sinking ship,” said Mr Duale on Sunday, adding that the coalition was busy getting ready for the parliamentary business set for the session beginning Tuesday.

MPs affiliated to the coalition meet on Monday at State House ahead of the re-opening of Parliament on Tuesday.

The Parliamentary Group meeting will be attended by all MPs affiliated to the Jubilee coalition and is expected to establish a common ground as both Houses resume after the Christmas Holidays.

President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto are expected to attend the State House meeting meant to help members get acquainted with the upcoming House agenda.

“We are meeting to look at the agenda that we will be having in the House during the second session,” said Mr Duale, who as the majority leader pushes for the government’s agenda in the National Assembly.

“We have three bills, the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission report and the budget proposals to look at. This is a bust calendar and Jubilee will not waste time in retrogressive agenda,” Mr Duale, who is also MP for Garissa Township, added.

CONTROVERSIAL BILL

Meanwhile, MPs will this week begin debate on the controversial County Governments Amendment Bill that proposes a Development Board for each devolved unit.

Despite fierce opposition from the 47 governors, the members of the National Assembly will start debating on the Bill when it is brought to the House this week.

Justice and Legal Affairs committee chairman Samuel Chepkonga said they had already scrutinised it and will bring it for commencement of debate when the House reconvenes from Tuesday.

The Bill originated from the Senate but has to be approved by the National Assembly before it is passed to the President for assent.