Jubilee MPs want a PG to solves issues

Laikipia Women Representative Catherine Waruguru addressing the media at Parliament on Monday 16/07/18. She and Kimilili MP Didmas Baraza allege that they have been threatened for supporting DP William Ruto.[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Two Jubilee MPs yesterday claimed their lives were in danger due to their close association with Deputy President William Ruto.

Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru and her Kimilili colleague, Didmus Barasa, said they had reported the threats to Parliament's Director of Criminal Investigations and OCS.

The two MPs attributed the threats to the 2022 succession politics.

“The motive is because of my political stand. Those threatening me should know that I don’t fear dying as everyone will die one day,” said Mr Barasa.

“I won’t be cowed to abandon my political stand and support for Deputy President William Ruto. We have been holding a 'small PG' to deliberate on the way forward. I will only support the Government’s agenda in the House if it is in line with the campaign pledges.”

Addressing journalists at Parliament buildings yesterday, Barasa and Ms Waruguru called on the Government to investigate threats to their lives and bring the culprits to book.

According to Barasa, one of the threatening messages he had received said: “I have instructions to look for your head, I have come closer to collecting it for my payments but I have decided to give you a final warning. Stop tangatangaring and lie low like an envelope.”

Waruguru said besides threats, she had been insulted for supporting Dr Ruto.

“There are those who opposed the Government and the handshake now calling me 'tanga tanga'. My name is Catherine. I represent the Jubilee government. It is not good when you discuss my dressing and body structure."

The legislators asked Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i to beef up their security.

Nominated MP David Sankok declared himself the chairman of ‘tanga tanga’.

“It is shocking MPs are receiving threats. Being a member of the 'tanga tanga 'group I am yet to personally be threatened," he said.

The two made the claims as some Jubilee lawmakers called for a Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting to address issues affecting the ruling party.

Vocal Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Barasa and John Waluke (Sirisia) stressed that the PG was important to address many issues, including de-whipping members from various committees, consideration of private members' Bills, delayed disbursement of National Government Constituency Development Fund money, and general in-house matters.

“We need a PG. I know it will not be convened. Majority Leader Aden Duale (Garissa Town) is even on record saying my proposal to set up a select committee to work closely with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i would be considered in April, yet it is the work of the House Business Committee and plenary,” said Mr Kuria.

The MPs argued that the PG would help prioritise and support the Government's agenda.

Mr Waluke called for a PG, which he said would give him an opportunity to pitch to replace the former party vice chairman, David Murathe.

“I want the position. They short-changed me for a position on the Parliamentary Service Commission. Now I deserve to be the party’s vice chair.”

Ngunjiri Kimani (Bahati), who last year accused the President of under development in Mt Kenya region, called for unity among colleagues.

“We should work in harmony in Parliament. We will not get anything fighting each other.”