Tension as 2 Jubilee MPs clash in public

dennis kibet

January 8, 2018 8:35 AM

The two legislators clash were immediately rebuked by DP Ruto.

Tension engulfed the Jubilee Party after two Members of Parliament from the Mt Kenya region clashed publicly over Deputy President William Rutos 2022 presidential bid.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria was infuriated after his Nyeri Town counterpart Ngunjiri Wambugu hinted that Ruto's backing by the Mt Kenya region in 2022 was not guaranteed.

On Saturday, Wambugu took to social media where he pointed out specific criteria for the leader whom he will vote for in 2022 as president.

Uhuru's legacy

"My vote in 2022 will go to a leader who is committed to ensuring President Kenyatta's legacy is secured and one who promotes national unity and guarantees Kenyans the right to live anywhere in the country. My vote - and for those that I can influence - will depend on the points above. Period. Nobody is or has ever been supported for the presidency of any country 'unconditionally. Most importantly in 2022 my vote will not depend on betrayal or paying debts; there's no such thing in politics.” Wambugu wrote.

The Nyeri MP's sentiments angered Kuria who in a swift rejoinder, lashed out at Wambugu warning that such remarks are a pipe dream, and may split Jubilee Party.

No sideshows

“I want to tell Wambugu we are not being forced to elect Ruto as the next President. It is our will since Ruto stood with President Uhuru Kenyatta when everybody abandoned him. He is also the right person for the seat. We have no option but to help him ascend to the presidency. We don’t want sideshows,” Kuria said.

The two MPs refused to see eye to eye during a Sunday Service at Our Lady of Consolata Cathedral in Nyeri Town.

DP Ruto on Sunday in an apparent reference to the two MPs clashing warned Jubilee Party leaders to concentrate on service delivery instead of succession talks.

"Kenyans, more so Jubilee, should avoid useless political debates about positions including 2022," he said.

Ruto said they should focus "single-mindedly on delivering their manifesto" which was voted for by the people.