This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos has welcomed changes to the Senate Jubilee leadership, saying those kicked out had disrespected the party leader. The governor, who was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta to lead the Building Bridges Initiative programmes in the North Rift, believes it is wrong for members to show open disdain for their leader while still expecting to lead the government's agenda in the Senate.
President Kenyatta recently removed Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and Majority Whip Susan Kihika from their lucrative posts in a parliamentary group meeting at State House, Nairobi. Mr Murkomen was replaced by West-Pokot Senator Samuel Phogisio, while Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata took over from Ms Kihika.
Mr Tolgos said it was no longer tenable to have people speaking a different language from the President's to lead the House business, adding that President Kenyatta was right to instil discipline in the ruling party. He also expressed surprise that some Jubilee nominated senators skipped the State House meeting, saying it was unimaginable for them to do so.
Mr Tolgos' comments come as Deputy President William Ruto's allies, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, have been targeted for ousting following the fresh changes in the Senate leadership. Senator Cherargei, who chairs the House Legal Affairs Committee, said he would not mind leaving the seat if it would help the President deliver the Big Four agenda and properly handle the coronavirus pandemic.
