Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro has led 16 Coast MPs in pledging to join President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP).

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This gives Uhuru’s 2017 re-election bid a boost and also Jubilee Alliance Party when launched.

“We will join the Jubilee Alliance Party and by the time it will be launched we will be at the centre and we will take our rightful place,” said Mungaro on Thursday, August 4.

Mung’aro’s team met Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and other government officials were also at the State House meeting in Nairobi.

Those who have promised to join Jubilee Alliance Party alongside Mung’aro are Kilifi South’s Mustafa Idd, Ganze’s Peter Shehe, Harrison Kombe from Magarini, Khatib Mwashetani from Lungalunga, Kwale Women Rep Zainabu Chidzuga, Kinango’s Gonzi Rai, Masud Mwahima from Likoni and Lamu East’s Shariff Athman.

Others who are in the list include Julius Ndegwa (Lamu West), Ali Wario (Bura), Sane Ibrahim (Garsen), Naomi Shaaban (Taveta), Emma Mbura (Nominated senator), Mvita Kisasa Mshenga (Kilifi) and Lamu Senator Abu Chiaba.

Jubilee’s affiliated parties are set to dissolve by the end of August. Coalition members are expected to join Jubilee Alliance Party after that.