We have not marginalized Ukambani, DP William Ruto says

Deputy President William Ruto has defended the Jubilee administration over allegations of discrimination against Ukambani region following a spate of woes facing senior public officers from the region.

The DP who was right in the home turf of suspended Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu and Monica Juma, who both hail from Kitui, was at pains to dispel claims the suspension of Ngilu and National Assembly’s rejection of Monica Juma’s appointment as the Secretary to the Cabinet are a calculated move by the Jubilee administration to marginalize the region even as leaders registered their displeasure with the recent turn of events.

The DP’s reception in Kitui was not as acrimonious as expected with almost 80% turn out of the county’s leadership led by Governor Julius Malembe attending the function, contrary to the expectations.

The local leadership did not shy away from sharing their piece of mind about the recent turn of events especially on the suspension of Charity Ngilu, the resignation of Mumo Matemu and the rejection of Monica Juma’s appointment.

“The general feeling and perception is that the Jubilee administration is marginalizing Ukambani region,” said Malombe.

But the DP moved to clear the air that none of the issues facing each one of the officers was a creation of the Jubilee administration

On Charity Ngilu specifically, the DP threw the ball on the court of the local populace who he says rejected Ngilu’s bid in the general elections only for jubilee to appoint her to Cabinet.

The point was driven home when the DP drew the attention of the crowd that other Cabinet Secretaries, among them Eng Michalel Kamau, Davis Chirchir, Felix Koskei and Kazungu Kambi, are also sailing in the same boat with Ngilu.

Ruto also faulted the National Assembly for mishandling the appointment process. Ironically, some members of Parliament from the region, were willing to engage in talks with the Jubilee leadership as 2017 contest beacons.

Kendagor Obadiah contributed to this report