Somali MPs threaten to withdraw from Jubilee
SEVEN MPs from northern Kenya yesterday threatened to withdraw their support for Jubilee in defence of Majority Leader Aden Duale. Some MPs from TNA have been agitating for his removal saying that he is undermining the Jubilee government.
The MPs, from all three main political parties, accused the TNA MPs of “political terrorism” saying that Duale was “their hope” and “a symbol of their inclusivity in the government.” On Monday MPs led by Jamleck Kamau on Monday threatened to sack Duale for criticising the police crackdown in Eastleigh.
At a press conference at Parliament Buildings yesterday, the seven MPs said that Duale was “going nowhere” and also criticised the ongoing security operations which they said were targeting their community. They accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of authorizing the profiling of the Muslim and Somali communities under the guise of fighting terrorism. “Duale has a right to speak for his people. Being the Leader of Majority does not stop him from defending his people,” said Mohamed Mahmoud, the Mandera West MP.
He was accompanied by Senator Billow Kerrow ( Mandera), MPs Ahmed Abbas (Ijara), Abdillahi Diriye (Wajir South), Ali Wario (Bura), Hassan Osman (Nominated) and Mohammed Shidiye (Lagdera). They further threatened to withdraw their support for the government and put Jubilee into a minority in Palriament.
They said that Duale was the leader of Muslim MPs. “The Muslim MPs in Parliament number 67. Jubilee should prepare to cross to the minority side. Francis Nyenze will then be the Leader of Majority,” said Abbas. “Whether they sack Duale or not, the clamour for justice will not die off. The government is yours and you can kick us out as you wish.
But you will not kick us out of this country,” said Wario. “When he defends President Uhuru and his deputy William Ruto on the charges of international crimes at the ICC that is okay with them,” said Kerrow. “But when he defends the Somali people he is adjudged to be wrong. They want him removed,” he observed.
The MPs likened conditions at Kasarani Stadium to a Nazi concentration camp as 4,000 suspects detainees from Eastleigh are being held there. They demanded that the government opens the stadium for scrutiny to ensure there are no human rights abuses. Yesterday Jamleck recorded a statement with CID at Mazingira House over the alleged SMS threats to his life by Duale on Monday. The two Jubilee MPs have fallen out over the ongoing security operations in Eastleigh.
Duale allegedly sent the text messages after Jamleck appeared on Citizen TV show on Monday and criticized Duale for disowning the security operations in Eastleigh. The CID os reportedly checking with a mobile service provider that the offending messages came from Duale’s number.
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