Summoned MCAs show up at party office

Ten nominated Bomet Members of County Assembly (MCA) appeared before the United Republican Party (URP) to answer to claims of undermining the party.

The MCAs, accused of working against the party's manifesto, arrived at the URP headquarters in Nairobi accompanied by their supporters.

Bomet Deputy Majority Leader Helen Rotich dismissed the accusations leveled against them that they had failed to safeguard the party's interests.

"We have supported the Deputy President all through, and it is  unfortunate that he is questioning our loyalty," said Ms Rotich.

The nominated MCAs have been accused of advancing and advocating policies that are against the party's manifesto including supporting Governor Isaac Ruto's referendum push.

They have also been accused of advancing and supporting policies of a rival party, CORD, and failing to safeguard and defend URP.

In a letter signed by URP Secretary General Fred Muteti, the MCAs will face disciplinary measures if found guilty.

grassroots support

In what is likely to create a major rift in the South Rift, Rotich said it would be unfortunate to divide the area yet there is rooted support for Deputy President William Ruto.

The residents who had accompanied the leaders expressed their support for the MCAs and termed the accusations as political ploy.

Bomet URP Treasurer Felix Yegon said the law was not followed in addressing the issues raised against the leaders.

"The issues should have been raised first at the branch and sub-branch level according to Article 18 of the party' Act," said Mr Yegon and questioned the scheme behind the summons.

He defended the MCAs saying they were caught in the battle between DP Ruto and Governor Ruto, and called on the two leaders to resolve their differences amicably without involving the MCAs.

The supporters also called for the dissolution of the current URP National Executive Council saying they had lost confidence in it and it cannot be trusted to make sound judgment.