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President William Ruto reportedly attempted to trick his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta into sidelining former Prime Minister Raila Odinga before their joint rally on Saturday, February 12.
Hours before Uhuru flew to Siaya to attend the late Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha’s burial, the Treasury had allocated him Ksh678.57 million for pension and other retirement perks, including a fully furnished office, a car and salaries for aides.
However, Uhuru turned a blind eye to the allocation and pledged his loyalty to Raila. Uhuru further joined the former Prime Minister for a series of roadside rallies.
“My brother, my friend, my party leader Raila Odinga fellow mourners, we are here to join you today to celebrate the life of a great son,” Uhuru stated while pledging his support for Azimio.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and opposition leader Raila Odinga (right) at the burial of ex-Education CS Prof. George Magoha in Gem, Siaya County, on February 11, 2023
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ODM
His loyalty pledge to Raila locked him out of accessing the funds since the Constitution requires him to relinquish his role in Azimio and quit active politics.
Section 6 (1) of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act states that a retired president shall not hold office in any political party for more than six months after ceasing to be president.
Uhuru had already expressed his readiness to lose the retirement perk to remain active in the political landscape.
“I am retired, but I am not tired. I might be out of the office but I am fully behind Raila. If he tells me we go this way, we will,” Uhuru stated during a rally on Saturday, February 12.
“I supported him in 2022, and I will back him because he is an honest man out to unite Kenya. I am not looking for any seat, but it is my right to back Raila,” he added.
Before the rally, Ruto also invaded Jubilee Party with his faction, led by MPs Sabina Chege (nominated) and Kanini Kega (EALA), taking over from Uhuru allies.
The Head of State lured over 20 Jubilee MPs to the Kenya Kwanza side and promised to help them secure development funds and land various committee appointments.
To honour their promise to Ruto, The East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega-led faction ousted Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and David Murathe as party Vice-chairperson.
“Their main intention is to take away the party from Uhuru Kenyatta. It has surprised them that Jubilee has been vocal in calling them out for lying to the voters that they would bring down the cost of living. People in Mt Kenya are already getting impatient with them,” Kioni stated.
President William Ruto, his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua and a section of Jubilee MPs at State House on Wednesday, February 8, 2023
State House
At the centre of the battle is a Ksh135 million share of the Political Parties Fund cash. Insiders argue that Kenya Kwanza is pushing for a post-election deal with Jubilee Party to increase their share of funds.
By receiving the funds, insiders within Kenya Kwanza argue that it will help cripple Azimio and their planned protests.
“Some individuals who purported to appoint themselves into office are also looking at the money. They are relying on reports that we have received a lot of money, which is not factual,” Kioni insisted.
Political experts argued that Ruto’s move to raid Jubilee was meant to render Uhuru partyless and compel him out of active politics and his involvement in Azimio and their planned rallies.
By capturing Jubilee, pundits further opined that it would help the ruling party have numbers to pass critical Bills without facing opposition from Azimio.
“We will be seeking your support on Bills and regulations on the Housing Fund, Water Purchasing Agreements, among others,” Ruto stated after his first meeting with Jubilee lawmakers in State House Nairobi.
His plan was boosted after 10 other legislators aligned to Jubilee vowed to support Kenya Kwanza. Led by Former Kiambu Township MP Jude Njomo, stated the decision was in the interest of their constituents.
“We are still bonafide members of the Jubilee Party, but we recognise the direction the top organ of the party is taking us,” Njomo stated.
“We are also adding that we will not participate in anything that is meant to disrupt the cohesion of the country,” he added.
Uhuru, however, according to insiders, vowed to fight for the party and expel defiant MPs who sided with Ruto.
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