Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) is not getting any resistance from Eldoret, MPs say

MPs drawn from the National Assembly and the Senate have dismissed claims that the formation of Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) was getting some resistance from Rift Valley residents.

The MPs said all constituent and affiliate parties of the Jubilee Coalition have endorsed and approved the formation JAP.

They said the few dissenting voices in the region were individuals who risk losing their popularity ahead of the next General Election.

The MPs included Stephen Sang (Nandi), Benson Mutura (Makadara), James Bett (Kesses), Cornelly Serem (Aldai), Zipporah Kering (Nandi) Kirwa Bitok (Mosop), Elijah Lagat (Chesumei) and Julius Melly (Tinderet).

Others were Governors Cleophas Lagat (Nandi) and Jackson Mandago (Uasin-Gishu) and several Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from Uasin-Gishu and Nandi Counties.

Speaking at Kebulonik secondary school grounds during a function presided over by Deputy President William Ruto, the leaders supported the ongoing efforts to bring together all constituent and affiliate parties to foster unity among Kenyans.

“We have resolved to rally behind efforts to bring together all affiliate parties under JAP as our political vehicle ahead of the 2017 general election,’ said Mr Melly.

Mr Mandago said the formation of the new party has come out at an opportune time urging leaders to launch awareness programmes on the importance of the party to the electorate ahead of the next election.

“We must rally behind the leadership of President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto in chatting the way forward for our people,” said Mr Mandago.

The MPs said they supported the re-election of Mr Kenyatta as the President and Mr Ruto as Deputy President come 2017 General Election.

“We want to state here today that we are supporting the re-election of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto in the coming general election as President and Deputy President in that order,” said Mr Lagat.

The MPs distanced themselves from recent press reports that they will consider supporting Mr Ruto for President in 2017 elections.

“We want to distance ourselves from recent press reports quoting some of us as having claimed that we will support Mr Ruto as president come the next General Election,” said Mr Lagat.

The MPs said they would launch sensitisation and awareness campaign programmes in their respective areas to educate the people on the importance of embracing the new party.

Mr Ruto said they will not relent in their efforts to bring all constituent and affiliate parties under JAP for the unity of the country.

“Our plans to bring all affiliate parties together are on course. We want to unite all Kenyans under a strong political party (JAP),” said Mr Ruto.

Governor Lagat said leaders in Nandi County were united in ensuring total support for the Government.

“We want to assure the Jubilee administration that we are working hard to ensure the success of the implementation of development projects,” said Mr Lagat.

Mr Ruto also asked the provincial administration, police and leaders to ensure illicit brews were eliminated across the country.

He said licenses of those engaging in the illegal business should be revoked adding, “ We cannot run a nation that is soaked with alcoholism.”

Earlier, the Deputy President addressed students, parents and residents at Terige secondary school in Emgwen constituency.

He said the Government has set aside funds for the national Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to enable it purchase maize from farmers round the clock.

He said farmers play a leading role in making the country food secure and assured of Government’s support in solving the problems facing them.

Mr Ruto told parents to take advantage of the free primary and affordable secondary education to educate their children.

He said the Government has eliminated all barriers that have hindered the development of education to children from poor backgrounds.

Mr Ruto cited increase of capitation funds and relieving parents the burden of paying for examination fees in standard eight and form four candidates as among the measures the Government has taken to develop the education sector.