Deputy President William Ruto says he has forgiven rebel MPs Alfred Keter of Nandi Hills and Kapseret’s Oscar Sudi for rebelling against him.
They said they were very sorry.
However, he warned them to toe the Jubilee line from now on.
Ruto said on Thursday he had thought of politically punishing the two after they campaigned for Kanu in the Kericho by-elections in March. But he decided to give them a second chance.
The DP spoke at Kesses in Uasin Gishu where he was with President Uhuru Kenyatta to launch road projects. Sudi and Keter were among those present, and the two said they are in Jubilee.
The legislators apologised for rebelling against Jubilee leaders.
“I had prepared a cane for these two, but now because they have apologised I have forgiven them, but they must toe the line,” said Ruto amid cheers.
He said he is well placed to advise younger politicians like Keter and Sudi.
“You know I am your senior so you should take my advice, or else you won’t stay long in politics,” Ruto said.
Earlier at Kapkatembu in Nandi, the DP asked Keter if he had defected as indicated in recent media reports.
“Keter, I heard you defected, I don’t know to which party,” Ruto said.
Uhuru welcomed Keter and Sudi back to the fold and asked them to respect Ruto. “If you want to go far in politics, then stay with us,” he said.
At Kesses, Keter asked Ruto not to endorse any preferred candidates.
“Allow the people to decide, and we will go on very well,” he said.
Keter said some of the DP’s allies are undermining other leaders. The MP is expected to face Ruto’s communication director Emmanuel Tallam in the race for Nandi Hills seat. “All aspirants must be given an equal chance to contest,” Keter said. He added that Jubilee should ensure fair nominations.