Jubilee MPs defend Uhuru but say more work needs to be done

Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire speaking at her office in Embu, March 6, 2017. /REUBEN GITHENJI
Runyenjes MP Cecily Mbarire speaking at her office in Embu, March 6, 2017. /REUBEN GITHENJI

Eleven Jubilee

MPs under the Mt Kenya Leadership Caucus have defended President Uhuru Kenyatta's development record in the region.

Addressing a press conference at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, they said they have seen change.

Nominated MP Cecily Mbarire said since 2013 when Jubilee took over, there has been development in every constituency.

"As the leaders from the region, we appreciate the work the Jubilee government has done since 2013. We are, however, aware that there is still more work to be done as per expectations of our people," Mbarire said.

The caucus said Uhuru deserves "utmost respect from all Kenyans, especially leaders and more so thos elected under his party".

The group said Uhuru has a constitutional mandate to develop the whole country without bias adding that leaders also have the responsibility to lobby for projects in their areas.

The caucus said it will continue to engage the President to lobby for projects.

Gatundu South MP Kuria had claimed that Uhuru has neglected Central Kenya and was developing areas that did not vote for Jubilee.

Kuria said though he agreed with Uhuru's position that development is meant for every part of the nation, the outspoken legislator insisted that the Central region has been shortchanged.

In response, the President

dismissed Jubilee

MPs who were complaining of 'starved' development in Central Kenya, calling them "washenzi" (fools).

Meanwhile, Jubilee youth leader Samuel Mundia dismissed MPs from Mt Kenya region who have lashed out at Uhuru.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mundia said the lawmakers should stop blaming Uhuru and politicking. He said they should instead work to improve the lives of Kenyans.

"Sometimes it is sad to see a few MPs from Mt Kenya saying that there is no development in their region. They should be initiating Bills that favour the region. Most of them are focussed on who will take over from Uhuru," he said.

He said the lawmakers should borrow a leaf from those in Northeastern for championing for people rather than politicking every time.

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