Key allies of Deputy President William Ruto abandoned him in the Senate vote against BBI as the handshake brigade moved to demonstrate its grip on Parliament. The Senate vote was a replica of the National Assembly last week where 10 of Ruto’s strongmen, including Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri pulled a surprise vote in favour of the bill. The petitioners in the case include economist David Ndii, Kenya National Union of Nurses, Thirdway Alliance, 254Hope, Justus Juma, Moraa Omoke, Isaac Aluochier and Muhuri. On Tuesday, their allies who had scathingly criticised the document during debate on the floor made a surprise U-turn to vote for the constitutional bill. Orengo, who has been at loggerhead with his party leader over his position on certain provisions of the bill, voted for the bill.

Source: The Star May 12, 2021 02:04 UTC