Jubilee Leaders Vow to Form People's Assembly

Days after Marsabit leaders led by Governor Mohamud Ali rejected the appointment of ex-County boss Ukur Yattani to President Uhuru Kenyatta's cabinet, county assembly Majority leader Halkano Konso has vowed to form a 'People's Assembly' in protest.

Alongside all other Jubilee MCAs, Konso, on Sunday announced that the House would convene a special sitting by February 2 to pass a bill that would allow Marsabit residents to form the 'People's Assembly'.

"The people of Marsabit are happy with President Uhuru Kenyatta for picking a Cabinet Secretary from our county but we are not happy with his choice," he stated.

Last Friday, the leaders signed a statement expressing their opposition to Yattani's appointment to the Cabinet.

The leaders included Governor Ali, Senator Abubakar Godana Hargura, Nominated Senator Rev Canon Naomi Wako, Woman Rep Safia Sheikh Adan and Saku MP Ali Dido Rasso.

[caption caption="President Kenyatta with ex-Governor Yattani"][/caption]

Others were lawmakers Musa Arbele (Laisamis) and Qalicha Gufu (Moyale).

Yattani, last week withdrew his petition challenging the election of the current County boss.

The former Governor had filed a petition against Governor Ali, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and Marsabit County Returning Officer Arnold Mutwiri Njabani.

"Notice is hereby given that the above petitioner did on the 16th day of January 2018 lodge at the office of the registrar an application for leave to withdraw the election petition, which application can be obtained from the offices of the Advocates herein stated," the withdrawal notice read in part.

The Marsabit County Assembly has 15 members from Jubilee, while six belong to affiliate parties including two from KANU. The Orange Democratic Movement, which has been behind the 'People's Assembly' push under the NASA umbrella, has only two members.

[caption caption="Majority Leader Halkano Konso addressing Marsabit residents"][/caption]