URP MPs want Devolution CS Anne Waiguru out of office because they say she behaves "like a Prime Minister".
Several MPs, some close to Deputy President William Ruto, yesterday told the Star she does not regard other ministers as equals.
They are unhappy the President has openly defended Waiguru instead of asking her to take responsibility for attempts to steal Sh828 million from the NYS and Sh250 million losses on NYS food deals.
Top officials in the EACC List of Shame have stepped aside to allow investigations. Waiguru is not on the list.
"The President reinforces the feeling Waiguru is the 'Prime Minister' by not asking her to step a side, just like other ministers forced out to facilitate investigations over graft allegations," said an MP who asked not to be named.
Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter is one of URP's vocal politicians who insists Waiguru goes and makes no apologies.
"Our sister Charity Ngilu (Lands), Felix Koskei (Agriculture) and Kazungu Kambi (Labour) are out of the Cabinet because of allegations … We are not saying Waiguru was directly involved but let her step aside," Keter said.
Waiguru has been under pressure to step a side over the failed attempt to steal Sh826 million through IFIMIS. She requested CID investigate.
While their TNA counterparts accuse the opposition of pushing allegations against Waiguru, the URP MPs have asked the CS steps aside during investigations.
Some URP politicians say Waiguru, who was on the team that created the new governance structure, awarded
herself the plum Devolution position, giving her direct access to the President and considerable power across government.
Ruto is supposed to be the coordinator of government and works through his Chief of Staff Maryanne Keitany who, according to multiple sources, does not get along with Waiguru. Keitany is suspended, facing EACC graft allegations.
The differences between Waiguru and Keittany date back to when both helped craft new governance structures.
"The CS has not filed her briefs as required and will only report to the President, not the DP. This is unacceptable. Being in charge of 23 semi-autonomous government agencies does not make one more important than the DP," another URP said.
Some people suggest Waiguru engineered corruption charges against Keitany.
According to the allegations, Keitany took Sh100 million from the DP's office to bribe MPs to censure Waiguru last year.
The mover of the motion, Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi, withdrew it after meetings with Uhuru's Private Secretary Jomo Gecaga and Solicitor General Njee Muturi.
Last week, State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu said Waiguru will not be suspended because there is no investigation against her.
Other than the Keitany issue, Waiguru's problems with URP are linked to her dismissal of former NYS director General Kiplimo Rugutt.
Yesterday, Keter and Nandi Women Representative Zipporah Kerring alleged Rugutt was fired from NYS to allow corruption cartels to take over.
"Last year I complained about how Rugutt was sacked from NYS, a calculated move to eliminate a straight-forward individual to make way for another who would allow graft," Keter said.
Kerring said they had been approached, as female parliamentarians, to help the government lobby public support for Waiguru in the media and elsewhere.
"I refuse to be among women parliamentarians lobbying for public officials. It is wrong and a misuse of my responsibility to represent Kenyans," Kerring said.
Other URP MPs who have made similar demands are Kangongo Bowen (Marakwet East), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Jackson Kiptanui (Keiyo South), Arthur Odera (Teso North) and Cornel Serem (Aldai).
On Saturday, the MPs accused Uhuru of selectively applying the law by retaining Waiguru despite allegations of impropriety in her ministry.
"Previously, CSs stepped aside to allow investigations. We ask that Waiguru also steps aside so the NYS saga is properly looked into," Bowen said.
He added; "Over Sh800 million cannot just disappear without the knowledge of key government officials. If other CSsstepped aside three months ago, CS Waiguru should follow suit."