MPs from the Coast yesterday declared their support for Deputy President William Ruto, days after ODM announced it will initiate disciplinary measures against lawmakers who do not toe the party line.
In a press conference at Parliament Buildings, 12 MPs from the region said they will work with Ruto.
Coast Parliamentary Group, led by Bura’s Ali Wario, did not state whether they will support the DP’s presidential ambitions.
“We have no other Deputy President apart from William Ruto and we support him. He should be supported by all. He is our DP and we are willing to work with him,” Wario said.
MPs present included Badi Twalib ( Jomvu), Sharif Ali (Lamu East), Suleiman Dori (Msambweni), Gertrude Mbeyu (Kilifi), Benjamin Tayari (Kinango), Ali Mbogo (Kisauni), Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Owen Baya (Kilifi North), Stanley Muthama (Lamu West), Paul Katana (Kaloleni) and Ali Wario (Garsen).
Two weeks gao, ODM warned its Coast MPs who have warmed up to Ruto ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Party secretary general Edwin Sufana announced that legislators who snubbed the National Executive Committee and Parliamentary Group meeting in Mombasa will face disciplinery action.
The two-day retreat was chaired by party leader Raila Odinga.
MPs who failed to turn up for the meeting included Dori, Twalib, Tayari and Malindi’s Aisha Jumwa.
The MPs have openly dared the threats and promised to campaign for Ruto.
On Tuesday, the MPs reelected Dori to chair the Coast caucus. He will be deputised by Galole MP Buya Hribae.
Kilifi Senator Stewardt Madzayo was elected secretary general. He will be deputised by Muthama.
Voi MP Jones Mlolwa was elected the orgnaising secretary and Mbeyu his deputy. Tayari was elected the group’s whip. Haika was elected the deputy treasurer
Madzayo and Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki will also serve as the legal advisors to the group.
