Uhuru Kicks Out Errant MPs From Top Parliamentary Seats

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Amos Kimunya share a light moment after Jubilee's PG meeting on June 22, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Amos Kimunya share a light moment after Jubilee's PG meeting on June 22, 2020
Courtesy

President Uhuru Kenyatta has cracked the whip on errant Members of Parliament heading crucial Parliamentary committees under the Jubilee Party.

The Head of State ordered the removal of at least five lawmakers from their positions in Parliamentary committees.

Reports indicated that Jubilee Party had written show-cause letters to the MPs, instructing them to explain why they should keep their positions since they were no longer loyal to the President and his ruling Jubilee Party.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with ODM leader Raila Odinga, Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Amos Kimunya and Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio and Deputy Speaker in the Senate Margaret Kamara at State House on Thursday, January 13, 2022.
President Uhuru Kenyatta with ODM leader Raila Odinga, Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Amos Kimunya and Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio and Deputy Speaker in the Senate Margaret Kamara at State House on Thursday, January 13, 2022.
PSCU

The affected MPs are David Gikaria (Nakuru Town East), Katoo Ole Metito (Kajiado South), Catherine Waruguru (Laikipia Woman Rep), Ali Wario (Bura) and Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), Rashid Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga) and William Kisang’ (Marakwet West).

Jubilee Party made the move since the lawmakers were elected on its tickets but have since shifted their allegiance to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party associated with Deputy President William Ruto.

The Legislators have been given seven days to respond to the letters and provide satisfactory and convincing reasons.

National Assembly Majority Whip, Emmanuel Wangwe, stated that if the MP does not provide satisfactory answers, the party will be free to de-whip them from those positions.

“Pursuant to Standing Orders 176 (1) and 176 (2) you are here notified that Jubilee Party nominated you for the departmental Committee on Communication Information and Technology,” one of the letter's read.

“You are hereby given seven days to respond before you are discharged from the said Committee,” it added.

Majority Leader, Amos Kimunya, stated that committees' reorganisation is a continuous process to revitalise them and ensure their leadership is in sync with the membership.

“Whipping and de-whipping are also linked to support for the party leader’s agenda,” Kimunya stated. 

“Already the whips have communicated to the affected individuals and they have been handed show cause letters.”

Amos Kimunya
Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya addressing the press After a Jubilee PG Meeting at KICC on Monday, June 22, 2020
Twitter