Blow for Raila after MPs, Senator defect from ODM to Jubilee

dennis kibet

April 10, 2017 1:03 PM

The leaders vowed to support the President’s re-election bid in August saying the Jubilee administration had demonstrated its commitment to improving the lives of residents in the county.

President Uhuru Kenyatta during a rally in Wajir County where he received defectors from ODM.

National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga has suffered a major setback after two MPs, a senator and a deputy governor decamped from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to the Jubilee party.

During a rally at Orahey grounds in Wajir County, President Uhuru Kenyatta received Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Tarbaj MP Mohammed Elmi, Wajir Deputy Governor Abdihafid Yarow, Wajir County Speaker Mohammed Bishar, Nominated Senator Halima Kahiye and more than 20 ward representatives from the area.

President Kenyatta thanked the politicians for their decision to join his party adding JP stands for unity and progress.

“It is good that you have acknowledged the development we have implemented in the short span of four years and decided to walk with us on the path of development, unity and progress,” Uhuru said.

Government goodies

Keynan said that the decision to join Jubilee was influenced by the government's inclusivity and policy directives.

As part of the "goodies", Mr Kenyatta said Wajir County would get Sh1 billion above its allocation in the current financial year.

The President also said the Jubilee Government had rolled out funds that would help finance other projects in Wajir County, including improving roads.

Deputy President William Ruto added that Wajir County did not vote overwhelmingly for Jubilee in 2013 and asked residents “not to repeat the mistake”.

Only one constituency out of the six elected a United Republican Party lawmaker. The governor and senator were elected on an ODM ticket.