Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi now says leaders leaving Jubilee Party for other parties are not ready for the expected intense JP primaries in April.
Addressing the media at his home on Sunday, Kiraitu said he is confident that Jubilee will hold credible nominations as President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto have assured.
“Those who have no courage to face competition in nominations are leaving and it’s only those who feel competent will remain," said Kiraitu as quoted by the People Daily.
The Senator said he was saddened by decamping of Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti and presidential education adviser Kilemi Mwiria to Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua's Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC) party.
"I feel that Kilemi and Kivuti are intellectuals and ideological leaders whom we needed in Jubilee Party,” he said.
The Senator added: “There is nothing we can do because they are exercising their democratic rights and we know more may also leave."
Kivuti and Mwiria have ditched JP expressing fear that the outfit will not conduct free and fair nominations since it has not put in place proper measures to guarantee transparent nominations exercise.
However, Kiraitu said their defection will not affect the JP popularity and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election bid in August.