Deputy President William Ruto’s efforts to woo Western Kenya to the Government side appeared to bear fruit after the region’s legislators pledged to support the Jubilee administration.
Ruto is crowned as a Teso elder during the homecoming for Teso South MP Mary Emase. Photo: Grace
The MPs, who were elected to Parliament on ODM, UDF, Ford-Kenya and New Ford-Kenya tickets, announced that they would work with the Government.
The leaders were among 30 MPs who attended two homecoming parties of Teso North MP Arthur Odera and Teso South MP Mary Emase.
The MPs, who pledged to work with the UhuruRuto Government were Yusuf Chanzu, David Wafula, Ayub Savula, Benard Shinali, Dan Wanyama, Geoffrey Odanga, Moses Malulu, Emmanuel Wangwe, Patrick Wangamati, John Waluke.
The leaders claimed they were speaking on behalf of Western Kenya MPs, who wanted the Government to develop the area.
Other MPs who attended the two homecoming ceremonies were Majority Leader Adan Duale (Jubilee) and Deputy Majority leader Senate Charles Keter.
Mr Waluke said: “We did not vote for you in 2013 but the next elections we will support the digital government.”
Mr Odanga said there was no time to engage in ‘petty politics’ as Western Kenya leaders and residents wanted development.
Mr Ruto acknowledged while the region mainly voted for Cord leader Raila Odinga in the last elections, they can back the Jubilee Government in the next polls.
Embrace dialogue
“When we were seeking for your votes you decided to give us MPs but not enough votes for presidency…we will come back in the next elections and we urge you to support us,” the DP said.
He said the Government would serve all regions irrespective of who they supported.
The leaders called for appointment of more professionals from the region to serve in the Jubilee Government.
At the same time, Ruto appealed to teachers to embrace dialogue to reach a reasonable agreement with Government over their pay demands.
He asked teachers to drop their ‘hard-line’ stand and give fresh negotiationS a chance.
“We are ready for dialogue to find a lasting solution to your pay demands… Let’s reason together for the better of our children and the country,” he said.
Ruto affirmed that the Government would look at the agreements previous regimes signed with teachers with as it seeks a solution to the stalemate.
His sentiments were echoed by Duale and Kericho Senator Charles Keter, who cautioned Knut chairperson William Sossion against addressing the Government through the media.
“Let teacher’s officials stop chest thumping because it is only through dialogue that we can agree,” Mr Keter said.
Duale said the teachers should not politicise the issue as it touches on the welfare of children.
He also dismissed calls to transferring laptop cash to teachers’ salaries, noting that the Jubilee Government has an obligation to fulfill its pledges to Kenyans.
By GRACE WEKESA, The Standard
