KALENJINS REJECT RUTO'S CALL TO DISBAND URP

The statement by Deputy President William Ruto that parties affiliated to the Jubilee Alliance should disband and join the Jubilee Alliance Party ( JAP) has been received with mixed reactions. Those who support JAP Monday said formation of a strong alliance of parties will minimise disintegration of the country into small political outfits aligned to tribes. Those opposed to JAP say consultations were not done in Ruto's United Republican Party ( URP) to endorse the decision and have insisted that the new move will benefit The National Alliance party (TNA) at the expense of URP. Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, Senate Devolution Committee Chairman Kipchumba Murkomen and three MPs supported the new political outfit, saying it is welcome across the country. However, Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, Kuresoi MP Zakayo Cheruiyot and his Nandi Hills counterpart Alfred Keter have insisted that the move is not good. "There were no wide consultations before the party was formed," the Bomet governor said. Meru Governor Peter Munya also opposed the calls to dissolve smaller parties, saying it would be political suicide and not worth attempting. LEADERS FORUM See Also: Kajiado Central goes to polls to elect MP Mr Munya said the region's leaders forum that comprises the governor, senator and local MPs would soon meet to make their political stand known. "We are going to meet to discuss this issue. We agreed to give ourselves 60 days to consult since we have different opinions," he said. The Deputy President triggered debate at the weekend when he asked all political parties affiliated to the ruling coalition to embrace JAP as their political vehicle for the 2017 General Election. Speaking at Chekalini Secondary School in Lugari constituency during a fundraiser for local churches, Ruto also asked Kenyans to unite and support the Government.
Your are here » Home » Rift Valley Leaders split over Ruto's URP dissolution call By STANDARD TEAM Updated Tuesday, March 17th 2015 at 00:00 GMT +3 Share this story: He asked parties such as United Democratic Front headed by Musalia Mudavadi, New Ford Kenya led by Eugene Wamalwa and KANU under Gideon Moi to dissolve and join JAP in readiness for the 2017 election. "I commend leaders such as MP Ayub Savula who are working with the Government to ensure service delivery irrespective of their party," he said. Speaking at the same function, Senate Majority leader Kithure Kindiki asked residents to join JAP and support Ruto for president in 2022. "Join JAP to support the DP as 2022 presidential flag bearer because we are contemplating making Ayub Savula his deputy," Kindiki said. Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen asked the Lugari MP to join JAP to enable him get into Government.