What had been termed Isaac Ruto‘s ‘multi bet’ failed spectacularly last week, when he was defeated in his race for governor, and Nasa defeated in the race to form the national government.
Isaac Ruto had become a rebel in the Rift and was brought in by Raila as one of the 5 Nasa principals. He was promised a Deputy Premier position. He also hedged his bet by vying for Bomet governor, but the Jubilee wave was simply too much.
Nation is now reporting that Isaac Ruto has requested ODM to nominate him to the National Assembly, to take up the role of minority leader. Apparently, the matter was brought up at a party meeting but has received mixed reactions. A section of members did not receive it well, saying that it is legally untenable.
It has further emerged that the party has already written to IEBC seeking to replace one name on the nominees’ list. The unlucky soul is KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion.
“We know it is not legally possible but let us wait for the IEBC response,” one official told Nation.
Though they are determined to try, changing a party nominee list is next to impossible. The Election Act states:
“A party list submitted shall not be amended during the term of Parliament or the county assembly, as the case may be, for which the candidates are elected.”
There were similar attempts in 2013 with ODM and Wiper looking for ways to accommodate their leaders Raila and Kalonzo respectively, in parliament.
In the case of Isaac Ruto, it would be more difficult considering he is not even a member of ODM but of Chama Cha Mashinani.
