MPs clash over 'intimidation' to back Ruto bid

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria with Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika at a fundraiser for Nakuru traders at Wakulima Market, Nakuru yesterday. [Harun Wathari, Standard]

Two Jubilee MPs yesterday clashed in Nakuru over allegations that some leaders have been trying to intimidate people in Rift Valley to back Deputy President William Ruto.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria expressed his displeasure towards some leaders he said, have been warning a section of Rift residents that they have to reciprocate in the 2022 elections by standing with Ruto.

“Leaders should not intimidate other communities that there will be violence should they not support Ruto’s 2022 bid. That is not wise,” said Mr Kuria.

But Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri quickly dismissed the assertion made by Kuria, saying no one was being intimidated with violence should they fail to vote for Ruto.

“I want to dissociate myself from sentiments by Kuria. What he has said in this meeting is his own views and I should not be associated with that,” he said.

In the same meeting at Wakulima market in Nakuru, Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen said talks on whether Ruto should become the President or not is a non-issue.

Murkomen said if defeated, the DP would retire, warning those saying 'something will happen if he does not become the president'.

Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang'ata said President Kenyatta and Ruto were still best friends.

Senator Susan Kihika said Jubilee leaders were ready to deal with outsiders who want to bring chaos in the party.