Jirongo criticised for labelling Ruto ‘project’
Three United Republican Party legislators have lashed out at Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo for claiming the party’s presidential hopeful William Ruto was a Government project.
MPs Fred Kapondi (Mt Elgon), Linah Kilimo (Marakwet East) and Boaz Kaino (Marakwet East) told Mr Jirongo to stop courting wrangles in the party for personal interests.
Speaking in Mt Elgon on Tuesday, the MPs said Jirongo’s allegations were propaganda and asked him to respect Mr Ruto.
Mr Kapondi said Jirongo’s sentiments were cries of a leader who feared democratic competition for the party ticket for presidency.
presidential nomination
“Jirongo is afraid of facing Ruto for the party presidential nominations and that is why he has started to spread propaganda that would tarnish our party leader’s image,” said Kapondi.
He added: “From Jirongo’s talk we now feel that he is the one who is a project planted in URP to undermine its leadership.”
The MP noted that they had respect for Jirongo for his contribution in developing and popularising the party and he should reciprocate by showing loyalty to the party.
Mrs Kilimo, an Assistant minister for Co-operative Development, said they had confidence in Ruto and his bid for presidency was not being influenced by any quarters.
“Ruto had shown his determination to run for presidency before this project talk came about. I wonder what Jirongo is basing his claim on to say Ruto and URP are beneficiaries of State funding,” said Kilimo.
She added that Jirongo should follow the laid down channels to present his grievances and not use funerals to undermine Ruto and URP leadership.
sponsored parties
Mr Kaino noted that they have decided to support Ruto for the party’s presidential ticket and Jirongo should look for backers and stop crying.
“URP and Ruto are not projects of anybody. Jirongo’s allegations are unfounded and he should be ignored,” said Kaino.
Differences between Jirongo and Ruto intensified over the weekend when Jirongo said Ruto was among presidential candidates sponsored by the Government.
“We are aware that the Government is sponsoring six political parties to field presidential candidates to divide communities with large number of voters so that they can retain power,” claimed Jirongo.
He claimed parties that were Government projects included URP, Uhuru Kenyatta’s TNA) Musalia Mudavadi’s UDF and POA of former Cabinet minister Raphael Tuju.
Posted by kenyan Election
on 1:31 PM. Filed under