Jubilee MP aspirants in the Ukambani region who lost in the last elections have been put on the spotlight having all been snubbed in the top government lineup announced by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, January 26.
The expectations of the general public were that at least one of them would land a cabinet appointment as reward for sticking with President Kenyatta and Jubilee party in the region dominated by the Opposition’s Wiper party.
Among those who were lobbying for government jobs is former Kitui Senator David Musila who quit the Wiper party where he was the national chairman to support Mr Kenyatta, former MPs Kisoi Munyao, Joe Mutambu, Itwiku Mbai, Katemi Makenga, John Munuve, Gideon Ndambuki, Philip Kaloki, Regina Ndambuki are also key leaders who backed the reigning government.
The president appointed one of his most trusted lieutenants from the region Foreign affairs Principal Secretary Dr Monica Kathina Juma to the same docket as cabinet secretary and Dr Julius Monzi Muia as principal secretary for planning.
Dr Muia from Makueni County has been the Director General, Vision 2030 Delivery Secretariat from October 2016 and is the only senior appointee from Ukambani region.
Kituionline has established that the former Kamba MPs held a breakfast meeting at a city hotel yesterday morning where they reflected on the political backlash at their constituencies while discussing the lineup.
Former Mwingi central MP Joe Mutambu said it was clear for every Kenyan to see that the Kamba community had been shortchanged in the cabinet lineup even in the other newly created positions of Chief Administrative Secretary.
“Let no one cheat us that by appointing Dr Juma to the cabinet, the Kamba community is represented because she is no longer one of us” the ex MP said adding it is a taboo in Kamba customs for a daughter to return home and grab everything once dowry is paid.
This is in line with the newly appointed CS being married outside the region.
“Once we crossover October 26, and win the repeat presidential elections, be assured I’ll give you jobs as my appreciation for the support you’ve given me” the President told the election losers at Ngelani during his campaigns