Top Jubilee leaders celebrate Murathes resignation

The resignation of David Murathe as Jubilee Vice-Chairman on Sunday was met with mostly joyous reaction from top political leaders who welcomed his exit.

Soon after announcing his surprise move in a press briefing at his Garden Estate home in Nairobi, David Murathe became a trending topic on Twitter with the hashtag #MuratheResigns coming to life.

But of surprise was the kind of people who were on that hashtag, yes, #KOT was there driving the conversation like they do oh, so well but the number of top politicians on it was the surprising bit.

A section of top Jubilee politicians made joyous posts on social media that told of their happiness and relief at Murathe’s resignation.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru was excited, quite literally.

She tweeted: “It’s about time! Viva Jubilee viva,” as she welcomed Murathe’s resignation saying it was “a matter of course.”

https://twitter.com/AnneWaiguru/status/1081931630527348736

Reckless utterances can often lead to unnecessary divisions and chaos. While freedom of expression is a protected right, incivility has no place in present-day Kenya or within the Ruling Jubilee Party. We welcome the timely resignation of #MuratheResigns, as a matter of course!

— Anne Waiguru (@AnneWaiguru) January 6, 2019

Senators Aaron Cheruiyot and Susan Kihika heaved a sigh of relief as Murathe exited his position. They had two words for the former Gatanga MP: “Good Riddance.”

Welcome News! We cannot have the VC drilling holes in our boat while everyone else is busy rowing. Good Riddance Sir. #MuratheResigns https://t.co/f5lzVm9uoQ

— Sen. Susan Kihika (@susankihika) January 6, 2019

Good riddance. Out with the incoherent imbecile Murathe. As @JubileePartyK supporters ,we welcome his resignation. @RaphaelTuju_EGH should follow suit. He has outlived his negligible usefulness.

— Aaron Cheruiyot (@Aaroncheruiyot) January 6, 2019

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wa and Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen also had no kind words for Murathe, a man believed to be in the president’s innermost political circle.

#MuratheResigns and claims he can’t be https://t.co/4XWVfp1zVo can a vomiting broker with a full stomach be gagged?The Chinese contractors are still in town! Ulevi mbaya

— KIMANI ICHUNG'WAH (@KIMANIICHUNGWAH) January 6, 2019

Congratulations to Jubilee Party Leader HE Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy Party Leader Dr.William Ruto for restoring order into the party. Tuko Pamoja

— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) January 6, 2019

Murathe’s resignation, which came as a culmination of a series of attacks he had been making at the Deputy President, also caught the eye of political leaders in the opposition.

Homa Bay Woman Representative Gladys Wanga felt that even as Murathe resigned, he had already drawn the battle line and delivered a message, whose source is anyone’s guess.

Even as the messenger (Murathe) takes a bow, the message has been delivered, the seed is sown – the game begins in earnest!

— Hon Gladys Wanga (@gladyswanga) January 6, 2019

Here are reactions from other leaders:

Murathe is not your ordinary, penniless drinking mate in some kakijiji bar. He commands influence n Power. That is why his resignation conveys many intricate messages. Celebrate his exit at your peril

— Edward Kisiang'ani (@ekisiangani) January 6, 2019

I have, since David Murathe stated that Uhuru Kenyatta would be ruthless in his second term, never doubted what the gentleman says. His resignation from Jubilee signals that the party won’t be available for William Ruto to run on in 2022. Therein lies the mischief many can’t see.

— Nelson Havi (@NelsonHavi) January 6, 2019

David Murathe’s resignation is the beginning of the end for Jubilee. Things Fall Apart.

— Prof Makau Mutua (@makaumutua) January 6, 2019