• MPs say war on graft being used to cause rift in Jubilee.
• DP says his focus is clear.
Image: DPPS
Deputy President William Ruto has urged Jubilee supporters not to panic despite issues the party is facing.
“We should relax. No need to worry as we are on the right track as a party in implementing our development agenda for Kenyans,” he said.
“We are firm and clear in our focus as we know where we are going."
He spoke at PCEA, Mwiki, Nairobi, on Sunday.
There have been concerns over possible issues within the party following President Uhuru Kenyatta's firm stand that he will spare no one in the war on graft.
Ruto's allies have said the DP is being targeted by his enemies in the war on corruption.
Ruto said, “Those lecturing us in Jubilee on development should first sort out the mess in NASA. The Opposition is in tatters and should stop importing their confusion to the Jubilee Party."
Ten MPs and Governor Ferdinand Waititu attended the service.
The MPs are Kimani Ichung'wa (Kikuyu), Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragwa), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Charles Kanyi (Starehe), Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Kimani Ngunjiri (Bahati), Jungle Wainaina (Thika Town) and Benjamin Mwangi (Embakasi Central).
Jumwa was expelled from ODM in January and her appeal fell on deaf ears.
ODM said it followed due process when expelling her.
Ruto came to Jumwa's offence, saying the party was targeting women, adding that the MP has freedom of association.
The MPs who attended the service said the opposition is using the handshake to cause confusion and create a political storm.
Ichung'wa said, “In fact, they (Opposition) have told President Uhuru Kenyatta to abandon the implementation of the Big Four agenda and focus on corruption and Deputy President William Ruto. This is all about 2022 politics."
Ngunjiri said the handshake should not be used to fight or undermine the Deputy President.
Kiarie said development should be carried out alongside the fight against corruption.
“We should not abandon initiation of development projects simply because we are fighting corruption,”he said.
Waititu urged Jubilee to be cautious while dealing with Raila, saying his history of "destroying" political parties was clear.
“We know that Raila Odinga destroyed Kanu, Narc and now NASA. We should not entertain him if our Jubilee agenda for Kenya is to be implemented,” he said.
Jumwa said Jubilee competitors were unfairly criticising the Deputy President because of 2022 politics.
“Some people want to tarnish your image through fake things like corruption because of 2022 politics. Don’t bother with them. They will be ashamed of their deeds because Kenyans know development conscious leaders,” he said.
She said she was confident that President Uhuru Kenyatta would support the Deputy President in 2022.