Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat. Photo/habarionline.co.ke
A sitting legislator as well as former MPs from Rift Valley have decamped from Jubilee Party to the opposition NASA- dealing a blow to President Uhuru Kenyatta who is seeking a second term in office.
Chesumei MP Elijah Lagat and former Mosop law maker David Koech ditched Jubilee, accusing the party of failing to fulfill the interests of the people of Rift Valley.
Speaking in Eldoret when he launched NASA campaigns in Uasin Gishu County on Tuesday, the two leaders led more than ten former MPs in joining NASA a coalition they said is led by visionary leaders.
They said Jubilee had failed to cater for the needs of local farmers since Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto ascended to power in 2013.
The leaders who included former MPs and ministers who served during former President Daniel Moi’s era said Uhuru and Ruto were undermining devolution. They said they subscribe to NASA’s school of thought that champions for the increase of devolution budget from the current 15 per cent to 45 per cent.
“The Jubilee government has frustrated the farmers in this country. We have launched intensive campaigns for NASA in Rift Valley to vote out a failed government. We have looked at NASA’s manifesto and felt that it suits us best,” said Lagat.
Former Emng’en MP Stephen Tarus accused Jubilee of playing divisive politics by sideling Rift Valley in development.
“We as people of Rift Valley are fed up with fake Jubilee promises. Jubilee should not think we have moved to NASA individually. We have moved with the masses,” said Tarus.
Former Marakwet West MP David Sudi confidently said NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga will trounce Uhuru during the August election.
NASA already enjoys backing of Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto who is a member of the NASA Pentagon, the coalition’s highest decision making body.