Naivasha Member of Parliament Jayne Kihara, an ally of Deputy President William Ruto, on Tuesday, May 26, promised to attend a Jubilee Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting reportedly scheduled for June 2.
The MP, however, made it clear that she had not received an invitation to the meeting which will take place at State House. Insiders in the ruling party hinted that the meeting is expected to endorse the removal of Ruto allies from leadership positions in the National Assembly.
Speaking in Naivasha, Kihara wondered aloud how politics had taken centre-stage during a pandemic, even as she acknowledged the rift in Jubilee.
The lawmaker went on to poke holes in the recent operations of the party, stating that the PG meetings were being communicated irregularly unlike in the past.
She noted party members were obligated to attend PG meetings by virtue of their membership.
"I'm a member of Jubilee. I have not been invited, and if I'm invited I'll go. Although normally, the PG's we've had, we've been invited by the Majority leader, we get a message from him.
"I know there was one we got from the Deputy President, immediately after the election was nullified. The message was signed by the DP.
"It was a very serious PG. The previous one we had, the President blasted us and I think they thought some of us may not go, but that was just an assumption because if you're called by the party leadership you're supposed to go," she stated.
Kihara further questioned why Senators and members of the National Assembly elected on Jubilee tickets were being hosted in separate PG meetings unlike in the past.
"(In the previous meetings) We were called both houses, Senate and Parliament. So this piecemeal PG is really not adding up. We don't know why we cannot go all of us," she observed.
Kihara maintained that the focus on politics was misplaced, accusing unnamed individuals of orchestrating the dramatic happenings witnessed in the Senate.
"We are talking politics during this time. When every effort should be focused on Covid-19, but politics being what it is, some people have taken advantage of this period.
"Because like now I've not gone anywhere to say what I think, so it is unfortunate what is happening, she noted.
Following the removal of Kipchumba Murkomen, Susan Kihika and Kithure Kindiki as Senate Majority Leader, Whip and Deputy Speaker respectively, Ruto's allies in the National Assembly are believed to be facing the axe.
Those whose political futures are hanging in the balance include Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, Deputy Whip Cecily Mbarire and Kimani Ichung'wah who chairs the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
Despite calls from some quarters from his removal, it remains unclear whether Majority leader Aden Duale will face the axe despite his affiliation to the Deputy President.
Watch Kihara address reporters below:
