Senator Maling’a criticised for endorsing Murkomen, Kihika ouster

By David Musundi

Trans Nzoia Senator Dr Michael Maling'a Mbito has Come  under a scathing attack in his  own backyard  for supporting removal of Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kichumba Murkomen and his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika from their positions of senate Majority Leader and Majority Whip respectively. 

Several leaders especially from his Sabaot base said the Senator's  endorsement of Murkomen's removal was a betrayal of the region's political aspirations and asked him to apologize or risk being isolated. 

Endebes MP Dr. Robert Pukose Sunday led other leaders in the County in  voicing  total  support for the Deputy President Dr. William Ruto and faulted Mbito for teaming up with some functionaries who had gone grazy with unchecked power to undermine Dr. Ruto. 

"This is political  hypocricy coming from a person of great political stature like Dr. Mbito whom we persuaded our people to vote for despite the many storms. He should not have allowed himself to play in the hands of people with selfish interests '', Said Dr. Pukose. 

Speaking to the People Daily in Kitale, Dr Pukose said the writing was on the wall for those who are standing on the way of the Deputy President, saying that the removal of leaders perceived to be close allies of the DP was aimed at Dr. Ruto. 

He asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to tell Kenyans the sins his Principal Assistant had committed to warrant attacks from a section of Jubilee Politicians led by Vice Chairman David Murathe and Secretary General Raphael Tuju. 

He added that People from the Deputy President Rift Valley stronghold overwhelmingly voted for the President to the last man. 

" It was because of instructions from the Deputy President Dr. William Ruto that we voted for President Kenyatta. Had we voted otherwise, things would be completely opposite today so let him treat the DP with respect ", he said. 

In response to Dr. Pukose 's statement, Senator Mbito said that he had not in anyway betrayed anyone during the popular vote that led to the removal of Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen from the plum position of Senate Majority leader. 

Mbito said attacks on him were ill motivated and aimed at inciting his constituents against him and asked people from the county to speak in one voice in order to realize development.