President Uhuru Kenyatta Monday May 11,2020 managed to throw Deputy President William Ruto allies out of the senate leadership.
In a Parliamentary Group meeting held at State House, President Kenyatta effected the Senate reshuffles that were looming since last week.
The changes have seen Deputy President William Ruto’s allies removed from key positions, with Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, an acerbic surrogate of the DP, getting replaced with her deputy, Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata, as the Majority Chief Whip.
Elgeyo Markwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen did not survive either. KANU’s West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio has replaced Murkomen as the Majority leader in the senate.
Isiolo County senator Fatuma Dullo has taken over as the senate Deputy Majority leader. Senator Farhiya Ali is the new deputy whip.
In the invite to senators, President Kenyatta, who is the party leader, told the Jubilee members to be at State Hosue at 8.30 am on May 11.
“Mheshimiwa, I wish to invite you for a Jubilee Coalition, Senate Parliamentary Group Meeting at Statehouse Nairobi, tomorrow, Monday 11th May 2020, at 8.30am. Please be punctual,” said the message dispatched to Jubilee senators.
In the last years, two factions have emerged within Jubilee Party, Kieleweke and Tanga Tanga over 2022 succession politics.
One faction, Tanga Tanga, is affiliated with members who support the presidential candidacy of the Deputy President William Ruto in the 2022 General Election.
The other faction, Kieleweke, is allied to the President’s camp who wish the party members to focus on Kenyatta’s legacy projects, warning it is too early to delve into succession politics.
The changes effected by President Kenyatta are said to be a punishment to DP Ruto allies for engaging in early 2022 successive politics.
