Prof Kamar’s elevation divides leaders in North Rift
Prof Margaret Kamar speaks at a past function. She was recently picked to replace Senator Kithure Kindiki as the Senate Deputy Speaker. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Prof Kamar replaced Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, a close ally of the DP.
- Though Prof Kamar’s election has raised her political profile in Rift Valley, some view it as betrayal to “the cause of democracy”.
The election of Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar as Deputy Speaker has ruffled political feathers in Deputy President William Ruto's North Rift backyard.
Prof Kamar replaced Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, a close ally of the DP.
Though Prof Kamar’s election has raised her political profile in Rift Valley, some view it as betrayal to “the cause of democracy”.
Those against her election view it as opportunistic, especially since she took the position at a time when there’s an ongoing purge of leaders allied to DP Ruto in Parliament — the DP endorsed her senatorial bid in 2017.
“We will never succeed democratically in this country so long as people will be used to take positions whose previous occupants were stripped of them illegally," Soy MP Caleb Kositany said yesterday.
He added: “If we didn't have Kamar, we would still have Kindiki as a Deputy Speaker, but there are many Kamars who betrayed the general cause of democracy. This is not even about betrayal of William Ruto”.
He was categorical that the ongoing purge has nothing to do with incompetence, but political affiliation “which is enshrined in the constitution”.
However, ODM National Secretary of Devolution Affairs Kipkorir arap Menjo said that it is the prerogative of the President to organise positions.
“You can't accuse anybody for a position she has been given. Prof Kamar acted as Speaker many times when she was MP for Eldoret East. Her confidence in the field is unquestionable. That’s the reason why some of her opponents even stepped down in her favour,” said Mr Menjo.
He added: “Local politics should not be dragged into this. In any case, her election is a plus to the people of Uasin Gishu,” said Mr Menjo.
A section of the youth from the North Rift also threw their weight behind Prof Kamar's election.
“Instead of faulting her election, we should brand her as a big saviour to the Deputy President’s backyard after we lost other key positions,” youth leader Patrick Kipchirchir said in a statement.
Prof Kindiki was accused of violating various sections of the Political Parties Act, the Constitution, and the Jubilee Party’s constitution. He was also accused of refusing to attend a meeting held at State House on May 11, 2020.
