PNU chief whip race down to two

An MP said it would also not augur well for PNU to give the position to Mr Muthama (above) as he comes from the same region with the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka. Photo/FILE

By NATION REPORTER
Posted Friday, October 15 2010 at 20:06

The jostling for the PNU chief whip position is narrowing down to two main contenders.

Acting chief whip Johnstone Muthama is facing stiff opposition from Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi, who enjoys the support of Kanu MPs and those from his Upper Eastern home area.

MPs who spoke to the Saturday Nation, said Meru and Kanu MPs were lobbying for Mr Linturi to take over the chief whip position “as the slot belonged to Kanu.”

The MPs argued that since former Juja MP George Thuo, who lost his seat during the recent by-election, was from Kanu, the slot should return to the party. Mr Linturi is a Kanu MP.

An MP, who attended a Thursday meeting of a section of MPs supporting Mr Linturi, said it would also not augur well for PNU to give the position to Mr Muthama as he comes from the same region with the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka.

“We need to ensure regional and party balance for PNU to work effectively,” the MP, who asked not to be named, said. Reached for comment, Mr Linturi, who is on a visit to South Africa, was noncommittal about the seat.

The MP, who was a key opponent of the new Constitution due to a clause on devolution, promised to speak on the matter when he returns to the country next week.

Mr Linturi’s supporters, however, took issue with Mr Musyoka and PNU chairman George Saitoti for failing to urgently convene the coalition’s meeting to elect the chief whip.

The PNU affiliates meeting has twice been postponed due to what Mr Linturi’s supporters claim were fears that the Igembe South MP would steal the show.