The National Super Alliance (NASA) team led by Opposition chief Raila Odinga on Wednesday suffered a major blow as 12 politicians, in one of its perceived strongholds, decamped to Jubilee and endorsed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid.
While on a tour of Turkana County, Kenyatta, who was accompanied by his deputy William Ruto, welcomed 12 Members of the Turkana County Assembly into Jubilee led the County Senator John Munyes.
The MCAs who defected were Raphael Loperito (ODM), James Abei (ODM), David Ateyo (Kanu), Patrick Imana (Kanu), Jackson Lowoi (Kanu), Maria Nasanyana (Kanu), Emmanuel Lomorukai (Kanu), Joseph Tioko (Ford-K), John Sepae (Ford-Kenya), Michael Ewoi (Ford-Kenya), Marystella Ekunoit (Ford-Kenya) and Leah Nachere (Ford-Kenya).
Seven of the MCAs were affiliated to the National Super Alliance.
At the same time, Kenyatta criticised Turkana Governor Joseph Nanok, saying the arid county had little to show for more than Sh40 Billion of devolved funds disbursed over the last four years.
The Head of State said the ODM-led county was a shameful example of poor service delivery to Kenyans.
He observed that Turkana County received funds equal to the combined allocations to Kiambu and Uasin Gishu counties but lagged behind in development.
“Turkana County deserve to develop at the same pace as other counties and its residents have a right to receive efficient and effective services under the devolved unit as other counties,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta, who spoke in Lodwar town, reassured that his Administration will remain focused on developing all parts of the country.
