Deputy President William Ruto had a hand in the resignation of David Murathe as Jubilee Party’s Vice Chairman.
According to Nation, the former party Vice Chair was forced out to prevent his sentiments against the DP from splitting the party.
Sources stated that Ruto called Uhuru on Sunday morning demanding to know why Murathe "is still a party official even with his views aimed at breaking Jubilee".
Though he claimed that was not strong-armed to leave the position, President Uhuru Kenyatta's close ally stated that his exit happened after consultations within the party.
While he did not provide a letter confirming his decision, Murathe said he had informed Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju about his move.
"I find that it is no longer tenable to stay on as the party vice chairman, given that I will have to sit in the same National Executive Council with a man I am taking to court to block from running for president," Murathe told reporters at his Garden Estate home, Nairobi.
He added that he was still a member of the party but was free to join any formation that would help advance his goal of preventing a Ruto presidency.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the resignation by tweeting, “Congratulations to Jubilee leader Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy Leader Dr William Ruto for restoring order in the party. Tuko Pamoja.”
The President and his Deputy’s intervention was due to growing pressure for Uhuru to declare his stand regarding Murathe’s sentiments.
“Reckless utterances can often lead to chaos and unnecessary divisions. While freedom of expression is a protected right, incivility has no place in present-day Kenya or within Jubilee. We welcome the timely resignation of #MuratheResigns, as a matter of course!” Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru announced.
