This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
On July 3, 2020, a significant development unfolded in the National Assembly as Majority Leader Kimunya extended an olive branch to the Tanga Tanga team, led by Deputy President William Ruto.
However, this move was met with resistance from National Assembly Minority Leader John Mbadi, who expressed concerns over the inclusion of Ruto's allies in crucial committees.
Kimunya had proposed Deputy President Ruto's allies, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wa, to serve in key committees such as the Finance Committee and the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC).
Ichung'wa was initially de-whipped from the Finance Committee but was later proposed to serve in the same committee, sparking fears that he might orchestrate a coup and take over the leadership.
"We felt that with such membership, we would not be assured that this pact would hold. We had reservations and felt that the Tanga Tanga MPs could stage a coup and take over the leadership of the two committees," Mbadi said.
Kimunya was forced to retract the proposed names and agreed to consult with Mbadi's team, acknowledging the need for further consultation to ensure a smooth re-organisation of the committees.
