Members of Parliament allied to president Uhuru’ Kenyatta’s Kieleweke camp have opposed the Jubilee-ODM coalition talks.
The MPs want the coalition talks halted first, to enable the ruling party to focus on the upcoming Kiambaa by-election and restructuring the Jubilee party house.
They argue that the Jubilee-ODM merger talks are spoiling the party’s chances of clinching the Kiambaa constituency seat, since it makes it appear weak.
Speaking to the Daily Nation, Jubilee Deputy Secretary-General Joshua Kutuny said the talks are premature and have not been sanctioned by the party leadership.
“We are not in discussions with ODM. Jubilee leaders and National Delegates Convention have not allowed such talks. It is premature for anybody to think we are talking,” Said the Cherangany Member of parliament.
On the other hand, his Nyeri Town counterpart Ngujiri Wambugu said the Jubilee party should help President Uhuru build his legacy, and shun coalition talks.
“Those from our party talking about coalitions are doing so at the wrong time,” he said.
“There was no wisdom in how the information was publicized. Timing is critical. The Kiambaa by-election is very sensitive especially coming after the Juja one. We must not give our rivals in Kiambaa the ammunition by suggesting that Jubilee and ODM will merge,” he added.
The sentiments from the two MPs are contrary to what other party leaders hold on the Jubilee-ODM merger.
Jubilee’s Secretary General Raphael Tuju insisted that the coalition talks are already sealed, and the party’s National Management Committee (NMC) has endorsed it.
According to Tuju, the NMC is set to hold a retreat to finalize the Jubilee-ODM merger talks.
From there, they will call for a parliamentary Group meeting to inform other party members on their talks, and what it entails.
