Nairobi: President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to crack the whip on errant Jubilee Party (JP) members, Vice Chairman David Murathe has revealed. Murathe, a key ally of the president, also told Deputy President William Ruto to choose whether he wants to be in opposition or government. He was categorical that Kandara MP Alice Wahome, who has consistently criticised the president, would serve as an example to the rest of the Tangatanga brigade. Without giving specifics, Murathe said the disloyal JP MPs take Uhuru as a lame-duck president yet they do not know what is in store for them.
“The disrespectful and disloyal members will receive show cause letters this week. Some cases will end up in expulsion. Their actions go contrary to Article 13 of the JP constitution,” said Murathe. "This will extend to members advancing ideologies of other political outfits not affiliated to JP. We will not hesitate to expel them from the party.” Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju, when contacted, said Chairman Nelson Dzuya is seized of the matter.
“The disciplinary committee works independently of the office of the SG. The committee or the chair initiates the disciplinary process. The chair is already dealing with the matter,” said Tuju. But even as the party goes after Ruto's allies, Murathe also called on the DP to rein in his troops whom he accused of disrespecting Uhuru.
Provocation
“He must rein in his troops or ship out. They are busy insulting the first family in the presence of the DP,” said Murathe, making reference to a recent homecoming event for Msambweni MP Feisal Bader, where disgruntled JP members lashed out at the president. “This is a provocation of the highest order and the president’s patience is running out.” At the Msambweni event, the DP asked his allies to refrain from directing their anger at their opponents, as "revenge is for the Lord". Murathe said Uhuru was also rattled by the scathing attack by Wahome.
The Kandara MP accused the president of plotting to retain control of state power after his term ends next year. She, however, praised the ‘Hustler nation’ associated with Ruto for focusing on the peoples’ plight. “The DP must make up his mind whether to remain in government or join the opposition. He cannot have both ways. That when it is convenient for him, he is in government and when not, he is playing opposition politics,” said Murathe.
“He cannot be speaking from both sides of the mouth. Party discipline must be observed at all times. Indiscipline conduct will not be tolerated in the party.” Nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura is already in trouble as he has been singled out as one of the legislators who will get a show-cause letter for attacking the president.
