Jubilee MPs Defy President Kenyatta's Warning to Stop 2022 Succession Talks

A section of Jubilee Members of Parliament have ignored calls by President Uhuru to stop engaging in 2022 succession politics.

Speaking when he attended the late Kenneth Matiba's funeral service at Ihura Stadium in Murang'a on Thursday, the President warned leaders against 2022 talk and urged them to focus on delivering their pledges to Kenyans.

However, over the weekend, MPs from Mt Kenya and Rift Valley regions appeared to openly defy the President's warning and went ahead to drum support for Ruto's 2022 presidential bid.

Speaking when they accompanied Ruto during a fundraiser held at Ngeny in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu on Sunday, the leaders pledged to remain behind the DP in his journey to the State House.

"As Central people, we know where we have come from and we are solidly behind the DP, an individual who is hardworking and with eyes fixed on the prize," said Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro assured Ruto that Mt Kenya region will stand with him and dismissed those attempting to scuttle his ambitions.

"The people of Kikuyu have no debt, as many have been insisting. Those peddling the narrative want to inspire that kind of fear, but our mind is clear, the only debt we have is love and respect because you are capable to seek votes by yourself and we have no doubt in your 2022 plans," said Mr Ndindi.

Speaking at the function, Ruto warned leaders against engaging in divisive politics, noting that all leaders should strive at uniting Kenyans.

"Our calls for a united nation did not start yesterday. We started with churches and grouped parties, which later saw the formation of Jubilee. Currently it has borne fruit and we have been able to bring in the Opposition," said Ruto.

The leaders used the platform to dismiss calls for a referendum to alter the leadership structure in the country.

"It is a pity that some leaders do not have mercy for citizens. We recently came from heated elections... Kenyans expect development and service delivery and not rhetoric," said Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.

Soy MP Caleb Kositany said: "The recent handshake between Kenyatta and Raila should not be used to drum up support for a referendum."

Kiambu Senator Kimani wa Matangi termed the referendum push as a scheme to stop Ruto's presidential ambitions.