Uhuru Kenyatta disregards DP William Ruto's request to convene a Jubilee party meeting

Uhuru disregards Ruto's request

Mumbi Mutuko

July 3, 2019 9:53 AM

Ruto's call goes unanswered

President Uhuru and DP William Ruto

President Uhuru Kenyatta disregarded calls by Deputy President William Ruto and his allies to congregate a Jubilee party meeting.

State House spokesperson Kanze Dena said that the President was focused on the development agenda and not politics.

Speaking during a bi-weekly press briefing at State House Ms Dena said: “The question on Jubilee meeting is political. And like my boss has said before, we are not going to delve into political issues.”

However, Ms Dena’s statement drew judgment from some of the DP’s allies with some dismissing her.

State House spokesperson Kanze Dena Pulse Live Kenya

Kericho and Nandi senators, Aaron Cheruiyot and Samson Cherargei, stated they would wait to hear the views expressed from the horse’s mouth (President Kenyatta).

Pressuring the president

“We are waiting for a word from President Kenyatta himself. There are things that can only be addressed at his level,” said Cheruiyot.

On his part, Cherargei opined that’s the decision is to be made by the party leader, deputy party leader and parliament leadership since it isn’t an executive decision.

Jubilee members have pointed out that time was running out for the party claiming that the party is facing imminent death.

On Sunday, Dr Ruto added his voice to calls for the party to put its house in order with politicians allied to him pressuring the president to convene a meeting to discuss issues affecting the party.

Renew Jubilee’s primary function

He said that such a meeting would renew the party’s primary function of uniting and transforming Kenya, delivering on pledges and cementing its position.

Deputy President William Ruto Pulse Live Kenya

The meeting would also remind leaders that they must work together, said the Deputy President.

The leaders have accused the party’s Secretary General Raphael Tuju of taking sides and working with Dr Ruto’s perceived enemies and demanded he is removed from the position.

Among the issues challenging the party is the March 2018 handshake between Mr Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga and 2022 succession plans.

Mumbi Mutuko