Raila’s deal with Uhuru suffers major setback

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s peace deal with NASA leader Raila Odinga has now suffered a major hitch after a section of Jubilee leaders issued tough conditions to its implementation.

Deputy President William Ruto’s allies are reportedly concerned that Odinga’s entry to Jubilee could destabilise the 2022 succession plan.

Ruto is preparing to take over when President Kenyatta retires in 2022.

The Ruto camp has already publicly declared that they will not support any deal that involves creation of a constitutional office for the NASA leader.

Kieni MP Kanini Kega, who is a close ally of the Deputy President, stated that his colleagues would not accept any plan that will affect the party’s succession plan.

"I know before 2022 we will be working on our Constitution. But that is not on the cards for now. Nobody should think that we are going to create positions for an individual.”

"Our thinking is that anybody who joins Jubilee is a plus. Jubilee has a plan to pass the baton to Ruto. That plan will not be altered midstream. Ruto will definitely take the baton from Uhuru as has been the plan," Kega told a local daily.

Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki, who is a potential running mate to Ruto, warned Jubilee leaders to be wary of Odinga’s support of the government.

"Jubilee should be cautious so that Raila does not mess it up ahead of 2022," Kindiki stated two days after Kenyatta and Odinga held peace talks.

Cherangany MP Joshua Kuttuny has also added his voice to the debate, warning that the NASA coalition leader could ruin Ruto’s chance, if he is given more powers under the peace deal.

"It is now upon the DP to take the lead and embrace everybody in government and outside to ensure there is no possibility of potential parallel centres of power being created around Uhuru," Kuttuny stated.