Mumias MP Benjamin Washiali on Tuesday dismissed media reports that he is planning to defect from JP and back ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi.
Washiali condemned media outlets that have reported this saying they were being used to propagate negative, unsubstantiated reports.
“I have never thought of ditching Jubilee Party and supporting [Musalia] Mudavadi even if he is nominated the Nasa flag bearer," he said. "I worked with Mudavadi in 2013 and I know who he is."
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Washiali, who is also JP coordinator in Kakamega county, said he will seek re-election in August on a Jubilee ticket.
“I weighed options before deciding which party to use. I have made up my mind to support President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP William Ruto so they cancomplete their second terms. Nothing will change my decision,” he told the Star by phone on Tuesday.
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Washiali said the media should be objective and verify reports from all parties before publishing stories.
“I understand the media code of ethics involves reaching all parties named in a story. How come some media practitioners run to newsrooms with one-sided stories?” he asked.
Washiali supported Mudavadi's bid for the presidency in 2013 and was elected on a UDF ticket. Mudavadi led the party at the time.
After the elections, UDF struck a deal with the Jubilee government after which its MPs were moved to the government side in Parliament.
Washiali was nominated deputy chief whip in the National Assembly.
Other Kakamega MPs supporting the Jubilee administration include Malulu Injendi (Malava), Emmanuel Wangue (Navakholo), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) and David Were (Matungu).
Former ODM youth leader Rashid Mohammed also wants to run for Mumias West MP on a Jubilee ticket.
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