[President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto in a past event. Uhuru may have ceded Senate Majority seat to Ruto due to pressure. Photo/Nation]
President Uhuru Kenyatta may have succumbed to pressure from his Deputy William Ruto given the latest changes in parliamentary leadership, argues Gideon Cyrus Makori.
Jubilee secured majority in both the Senate and National Assembly, a reason why they managed to elect Jubilee Speakers in both houses.
But the decision to retain Aden Duale as Majority Leader and subsequent appointment of Kipchumba Murkomen in the senate is a win for Ruto, who is eyeing presidency in 2022.
“It was a win for Ruto especially managing to rally for his allies for Majority Leader seats, which are very influential.
“This means that his loyal supporters will be key in running government should Jubilee win. It could also given him a good start ahead of 2022 campaigns,” he says.
Murkomen replaced Prof. Kindiki Kithure, who is set to go be a fairly inferior position of Deputy Speaker of the Senate.
The arrangement gives Ruto a total control in parliament and even ability to propel agenda that could be helpful in 2022.