The recent ousting of perceived Jubilee and ODM rebels from lucrative leadership positions in the National Assembly has sent shockwaves among several MPs elected in Parliament as Independent Candidates.
An MP who spoke to Hot News on condition of anonymity said that ODM and Jubilee want to ensure they carry the day when the constitutional amendments are brought to Parliament.
The MP said that he is privy to plans by the Executive to woo all the 13 Independent MPs and one Senator to support the constitutional changes.
“We were elected to Parliament as Independent Candidates. For some of us, ODM rigged us out. However, we are in trouble now because all those perceived to be sympathizing with DP Ruto are being axed from committees and other leadership positions,” said the MP who requested anonymity.
He said the sequence of events in the Country where changes were made in the Senate and in Parliament and latter a coup in Ford Kenya have left them worried.
He said they have no option but to realign themselves and support the Government to survive politically.
“After this storm passes- we will ensure we also front our candidate so that we vote for him. We will not accept to be intimidated in future,” he said
Speaking during the Madaraka Day celebrations at State House Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta said he wants to see to it that the 2010 constitution is improved.
“It is not a moment to replace it but to improve it. A moment that will correct what we did not get right in 2010,” he said.
The President said Kenya needs a constitution that can break the cycle of violence which occurs every election year and one that can unite Kenyans.
There are a total of 13 MPs elected as Independent candidates in Parliament.
Only One Senator, Kirinyaga’s Charles Kibiru is an Independent Candidate in the Senate.
However, if constitutional amendments are to be passed, his support is crucial.
When contacted for comment, some of the Independent MPs who did not engage in the Zoom meeting declined to comment.
Kisumu Town East MP Shakeel Shabbir who is an Independent MP said he is not aware of the Executives plot.
“I am aligned to His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta and Hon Raila Odinga,” Shabir said.