We’ll not be cowed, URP governors say

What you need to know:

  • Sources close to the governors said the meeting was prompted by the need to correct the impression that county bosses allied to the URP had been whipped into rejecting the referendum.
  • They vowed to soldier on in the face of opposition from URP party leader and Deputy President, William Ruto.

Some governors allied to URP held a secret meeting on Sunday and vowed to carry on with the campaign for a referendum.

The leaders, who attended the meeting at a Nakuru hotel, included the Chairman of the Council of Governors Isaac Ruto (Bomet), Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) and Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu).

Others are Prof Paul Chepkwony (Kericho), Cleophas Lagat (Nandi), who is out of the country, but was represented by his deputy Dominic Biwott as well as Narok Deputy Governor Evelyn Aruasa, who has broken ranks with her boss, Samuel ole Tunai.

Kanu’s Simon Kachapin (West Pokot,) was present.

CORRECT IMPRESSIONS

Sources close to the governors said the meeting was prompted by the need to correct the impression that county bosses allied to the URP had been whipped into rejecting the referendum.

They vowed to soldier on in the face of opposition from URP party leader and Deputy President, William Ruto.

The governors resolved to be less confrontational in their quest for more funding for the counties.

The leaders expressed concern that most of the constitutional amendments to weaken devolution are being fronted by URP.

Speaking earlier, Mr Kachapin denied reports that he had ditched the drive for a plebiscite.

The leaders were categorical that they will not be swayed by threats and intimidation.

This comes in the wake of the Bomet Governor’s remarks that he is not scared of being expelled.

“Charles Keter, Kipchumba Murkomen and Adan Duale have issues with governors.

“These leaders bad mouth us to sabotage counties. They are taking loyalty to absurd levels,” Mr Ruto said.