URP allays fears of cracks in Jubilee coalition

By JAMES MBAKA

Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto’s United Republican Party (URP) has allayed fears of any rifts with its coalition partner in the Jubilee Alliance (The National Alliance) even as the party announced its commitment to ensuring devolution succeeds.

The National Executive Council (NEC) which met at party headquarters in Nairobi said URP will continue supporting devolution, including pushing for enhanced financial allocation to county governments.

Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto, a senior member of URP, has accused the Government of undermining devolution and at one point pointed an accusing finger at some party members of working towards his downfall.

He has vigorously questioned the commitment of national government in supporting devolution, saying the Uhuru administration was against the devolved units.

Yesterday, the URP, however, termed Ruto’s remarks as personal and not necessarily reflecting the position of the party.

Party chairman Francis ole Kaparo said the party will continue to encourage debate and divergent opinions.

“Isaac Ruto does not speak for the party. What he says is within the exercise of his right to opinion but as a party we fully support devolution,” Kaparo said.

He warned both the national government and devolved units to exercise extra prudence in the management of public funds.

“Devolution does not mean financial recklessness. We want to ask both levels of government not to be wasteful,” Kaparo said after the meeting attended by 15 members.