Governors are in support of JAP’s formation – Wambora

The dissolution of Jubilee coalition affiliate parties continues gaining support with Embu Governor Martin Wambora now saying that the formation of one party – the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP) – will go a long way in ensuring President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto are re-elected come 2017.

Wambora, who has been at the centre of controversy following graft allegations leveled against him, said that some Governors are reluctant to join the newly formed party while others have already agreed to the proposal.

“While some Governors are being perceived as reluctant in joining the bandwagon, others are already popularizing JAP,” said Wambora.

He, however, defended the reluctant Governors who were elected on Jubilee affiliate parties’ tickets saying that they are focused on development and any slight distraction would affect their agenda for their respective county residents.

Wambora said that almost all the Governors will be in the ballot come 2017 and are well prepared to face their rivals.

“The Governors are going to be in the race come 2017 and those who are underrating them should prepare themselves for a fierce battle.”

He added that he was already in JAP and those who were still going round trying to create one were late since at the grassroots the Governors were sensitizing the electorate.

Wambora now appears to be contradicting the Council of Governors and Meru Governor Peter Munya who has vehemently opposed the formation of JAP saying that it is a threat to democracy.

Munya faulted Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi for going round to convince leaders in the Meru region to abandon their parties and join JAP, the vehicle President Kenyatta will use to seek re-election in 2017.

Key coalition constituent parties of the ruling coalition, among them The National Alliance (TNA), the United Republican Party (URP), Ford Kenya, the Alliance Party popularly known as the Bus, the Republican Council among others have until December this year to close shop and lead their members into JAP.

The ruling coalition formed a 30-member National Steering Committee to oversee the transition and develop structures for the new party.

The committee will be co-chaired by Senator Kiaritu Murungi and former Cabinet Minister Dr. Noah Wekesa.

Other members of the team include Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki, his National Assembly counterpart Aden Duale, Kericho Senator Charles Keter, lawmakers Dr. Naomi Shaaban, Katoo Ole Metito, Jamleck Kamau, Alice Ng’ang’a, Joyce Emanikor and Mary Emase among others.