Mathira Member of Parliament, Rigathi Gachagua, has hit out at a section of MPs allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party for supporting the controversial Political Parties Amendment Bill.
While addressing a political gathering in Nyeri, Rigathi termed the MPs as cowards arguing that they feared apprehension during the festive season. He added that the legislators also feared that their bank accounts would be frozen.
The sentiments by the Deputy President William Ruto ally come after the DP was ridiculed by pro-handshake Legislators for claiming that he enjoys the support of over 150 MPs in the National Assembly.
“We are aware of the plans that they have in Parliament and you saw how UDA is the party of numbers. UDA is one party and it is battling out with 7 parties.
“There are those who were supporting Azimio and amongst are 25 members of UDA who are cowards. They are fearful that they will be apprehended on Friday. They fear that their accounts will be frozen,” the MP stated.
Rigathi went ahead to insist that UDA will oppose the Bill in Parliament adding that it was meant to help the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party rebrand itself ahead of the 2022 General Election.
“The Bill is a scheme to rebrand the former Prime Minister and the ODM party so that they are given a new name called Azimio la Umoja,” he claimed.
During the debate on the Bill in National Assembly, amendments proposed by the allies of Ruto failed to sail through as MPs voted against amendments proposed by Alice Wahome (Kandara) and Aden Duale (Garissa Town).
Additionally, a showdown is expected on the floor of the Augustaugust House after Speaker Justin Muturi called for another special sitting on Wednesday, January 5 to Friday, January 7 for the Thirdthird and final reading of the Bill.
While addressing a rally in Trans Nzoia County on January 3, Ruto insisted that he still enjoys a majority of support in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
He clarified his earlier sentiments on UDA having over 150 MPs, stating that he also included Senators who support his agenda.
“You saw in Parliament that the UDA party has 138 members and if you add those who are in the Senate it comes to 160,” Ruto stated.
The debate on the controversial Bill has been marred with chaos and bribery allegations even as Endebess Legislator, Robert Pukose, alleged that some of the MPs were bribed to pass the bill.
“Those who are supporting this Bill are given Ksh100,000 each so that they pass this Bill. Bribery has now moved to Parliament,” Pukose alleged.
