Ruto allies want ODM leaders out of plum Parliament posts
Yusuf Masibo
Members of Parliament allied to Deputy President William want Orange Democratic Movement to relinquish the powerful watchdog committees, claiming they are already working with the government.
The MPs from Western Kenya said it is high time the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Investments Committee (PIC) be given to the right people as ODM was no longer playing its oversight role.
Speaking in Webuye West Constituency over the weekend, the legislators, led by Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, said there is no way ODM, which was now working with President Uhuru Kenyatta, can still hang on the slots reserved for Opposition.
Washiali regretted that despite ODM holding the posts meant for the Opposition, they were still claiming the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
“Let ODM be honest with its dealings because they know very well that they no longer play oversight and relinquish the committees for the Opposition parties,” said Washiali.
MPs Malulu Injendi (Malava), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Mwambu Mabonga (Bumula), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and a section of local MCAs, said if ODM continues holding the two committees, it would compromise the oversight role of Parliament because they no longer put the government to task.
Plum positions
The former Majority Whip emphasised that they would continue playing their oversight role and will not be intimidated by the purge on Ruto’s allies.
At the same time, the legislators have vowed to rally the Luhya community to throw their weight behind Ruto, saying he was the most popular among other aspirants.
Injendi called on ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi and his Ford Kenya counterpart Moses Wetang’ula to lead the community in courting friends to form the next government.
“The Luhya community alone cannot win the presidency. Let us initiate talks with other communities, including the Deputy President, ” he said.
Barasa said that Ruto is the only leader who has shown interest in supporting the Luhya community.
“Let us find refuge in Ruto. ODM leader Raila does not have the interests of Luhyas at heart. If we continue dilly-dallying and remain confused, we will be left out by this fast moving train,” said Barasa.
Wanyama pointed out that Ruto is the only friend who has shown interest in uniting the Luhya community.
“I am appealing to our brothers Mudavadi, Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Wetang’ula to join us in supporting Ruto’s presidential bid because without any unity we are doomed,” said Wanyama.
Mabonga noted that Raila has nothing to offer the Luhya community. “It is time we explore alternative leadership. The only person who has shown interest in supporting Luhyas is the Ruto. Let us stand up and support him,” said the MP.
