KAKAMEGA: Deputy President William Ruto has urged communities living in Western region to join the newly formed Jubilee Party.
He told them they risked staying in the political cold again if they did not join the party spearheaded by Mr Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during the annual Batsotso clan cultural event at Ematiha Primary School grounds in Navakholo, Kakamega County Thursday, the deputy president predicted a landslide victory for the yet to be unveiled Jubilee Party, which he said will have a strong national representation.
"There will be no room for a coalition government from 2017 going forward, and we are focused on having a strong party that will guarantee all Kenyans equal say in Government matters," he said.
But his sentiments met strong opposition from Kakamega Senator Boni Khalalwe. He said the move would be against the spirit of the Constitution, which calls for multiparty democracy.
But the DP accused Dr Khalwale of playing tribal politics at the expense of development and national integration.
"Leaders must shun tribal politics and strive to unite all Kenyans. Kakamega locals must decide now; do they want to be part of the Government this early or come in later as Khalwale wants to ask for a coalition?" posed Ruto.
Ruto added, "What kind of political mathematics is that? We want to form the next government comprising of all communities and this is the time. You can choose your friends but not neighbour. I am your neighbour and I am telling Kakamega residents the truth."
Ruto denied claims that he was a tribal leader, arguing that he has supported CORD leader Raila Odinga and ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi before.
"I also supported President Uhuru Kenyatta, was I practising tribal politics?," he asked.
But Khalalwe opposed the DP's call, saying the Constitution allows for multiparty democracy.
"DP Ruto should read the Constitution, which allows Kenyans to join parties of their choice without being forced," Khalwale said.
He directed his tirade at UDF chairman and Mumias East MP Ben Washiali and UDF MPs, saying they were 'being used' to paint the region a Jubilee zone when the fact was that the region overwhelmingly voted for the Opposition.
He accused the MPs of advancing selfish interests at the expense of communities living in the area.
"Let the leaders who have been compromised 'eat the little money' they have been given but that will not make people of Western follow them. Issues to deal with Jubilee should be left to the President and his deputy" said Khalwale.
He faulted the Jubilee administration of reneging on pledges to construct roads in the area.
"They have failed to construct Lurambi-Bungoma road and many others, which they promised to construct. We are working with Raila as Western region," said the senator.
Lurambi MP Raphael Otalo came to the support of the senator when he told the communities from Western region to resist the urge to join the Jubilee Party and instead support one of their own for the top seat.
"We must support one of our own in the next election as a community instead of following others blindly," he said.
But Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa took a swipe at Khalwale accusing him of taking the Luhya community for granted by shifting his political allegiance and misleading the people.
"Khalwale owes the community an explanation as to why he is currently supporting CORD leader Raila Odinga's presidential bid instead of standing with ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi whom we supported together in the last General Election," he said.
The CS said he does not fear threats of a censure motion against him over his alleged involvement in politics.
Lugari MP Ayub Savula had called for Wamalwa's dismissal, saying he was busy engaging in politics against the law.
Wamalwa said he would not sit and watch as the community sinks politically due to lack of leadership.