ANC MPs threaten to dump NASA over minority leader post

Amani National Congress (ANC) MPS have threatened of unspecified action on the National Super Alliance (NASA) if the opposition coalition does not nominate one of its own as Deputy Minority leader in the National Assembly.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, the ANC MPs, led by Lugari MP Ayub Savula, accused NASA of sidelining them despite their efforts to popularise the coalition in Western Kenya.

“The position of deputy minority leader was supposed to be ANC’s. As a party we have contributed a lot to the coalition and its only fair we get the position,” said Savula.

This follows up on comments he made at Parliament on Wednesday on November 29.He claimed ANC might pull out from NASA and support its leader Musalia Mudavadi for president in 2022.

“As ANC we are going for a retreat on December 7 in Naivasha to decide the way forward. We are thinking on settling on Musalia Mudavadi as our presidential candidate in 2022 and stay away from forming coalitions that won’t work,” said Savula.

On Wednesday, November 29, NASA settled on Suba South MP John MP John Mbadi as National Assembly minority leader with Kathiani MP Robert Mbui as his deputy.

The opposition coalition had also nominated Suna East MP Junet Mohammed as National Assembly as minority whip and Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa as his deputy.

In a quick succession of events, Coast MPs, led by Msambweni legislator Suleiman Dori rejected the list saying they were not consulted by the coalition’s leadership before it was tabled in parliament.

“There is no regional and gender balance in this list. We had requested the coalition leadership to to give us some slots but unfortunately, we have not been considered,” Dori said.

They accused certain MPs within ODM of what they termed as manufacturing minutes appointing the four in those positions.

However on Thursday November 30, Mvita MP AbdulSwamad Nassir said that Coast MPs have reached a deal with NASA leader Raila Odinga over the house leadership.

“We have reached a compromise after being promised the position of Deputy Whip, Suleiman Dori will take over from Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa,” said AbdulSwamad.