Jubilee-allied MPs push to sell party in Western
Matungu MP David Were outside a court in Kakamega on December 13, 2015. He and a few other leaders on September 19, 2016 decided to market Jubilee Party. PHOTO | ISAAC WALE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The MP said the decision to embrace Jubilee Party signalled the beginning of major realignments.
- For associating with the Jubilee Party, Mr Injendi is facing disciplinary action from his Maendeleo Democratic Party (MDP).
Jubilee-allied MPs in western Kenya have announced plans for a massive campaign to popularise the new outfit in the region.
The MPs, who have maintained a low profile in the region after their parties dissolved to join Jubilee Party, said the rallies will begin at the constituency level.
MPs Benjamin Washiali (Mumias East), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), David Were (Matungu) and Malulu Injendi (Malava) have in the past weeks been meeting supporters in their constituencies, unlike their characteristic high profile campaigns in churches and at other public functions.
Mr Washiali told Nation on the phone Monday that they were back in their constituencies for major campaigns to galvanise support for the new party in the region.
The MP said the decision to embrace Jubilee Party signalled the beginning of major realignments that will transform politics in the western region.
“Our decision to join Jubilee is driven by our desire to ensure the Luhya community does not repeat the mistake of supporting a presidential candidate from the Opposition who has no chance of winning,” said Mr Washiali.
He said the community was tired of languishing in the cold.
The MPs have been working hard to sell Jubilee in Kakamega County, which voted overwhelmingly for Cord presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the 2013 elections.
For associating with the Jubilee Party, Mr Injendi is facing disciplinary action from his Maendeleo Democratic Party (MDP).
Party leader Amisi Omukanda has written to the MP asking him to explain why disciplinary measures should not be taken against him for promoting the activities of another outfit.
This is the second time the party has written to Mr Injendi over his conduct after he publicly declared that he was headed to Jubilee.
Last month, the party summoned the MP after he announced at a function in Mumias East constituency that he would defect.
Mr Omukanda said the party was waiting for a response from the lawmaker before notifying the Registrar of Political Parties to act on the matter according to the law.
