Jubilee Party’s splinter group suspend Murathe, Kioni, to quit Azimio coalition
One splinter group of the divided Jubilee Party has suspended vice chair David Murathe and secretary general Jeremiah Kioni and announced commencement of the exit process from the Azimio One Kenya Coalition for a new marriage with their former political nemesis ruling coalition, Kenya Kwanza.
The party’s top organ, the National Executive Council (NEC) made the announcement earlier today when they met at the Sarova Woodlands Hotel in Nakuru in a session chaired by party chairman Nelson Dzuya.
The Dzuya led camp named Eldas Constituency Member of Parliament Adan Keynan as the party Vice Chairman replacing Murathe.
On the other hand, Kagwe Gichohi has also been removed as the National Treasurer and replaced by Kitui South Member of Parliament Rachel Nyamai.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta remains the Jubilee party leader.
“The National Executive Committee has commenced the process of exiting the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition.The National Executive Committee will engage the ruling coalition [Kenya Kwanza] on the possibility of creating a working cooperation arrangement with it.” A quick dispatch to newsrooms read in part.
However, in a quick rejoinder, Kioni has dismissed the changes as inconsequential asserting that they are still in charge of the Uhuru led party.
“I am here as the Secretary of Jubilee; Jubilee will be in Azimio till the end. President Uhuru Kenyatta will be in Jubilee till the end. Those who went to Statehouse to get a pay so as to disrupt the party please go away and leave us.” Kioni has affirmed.
Hemaintains that he is still the Jubilee secretary general and that the party is firmly in Azimio.
The Dzuya led camp appointed nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege, nominated Senator Margaret Kamar, Bahati Member of Parliament Irene Njoki Murembo and Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi to the Jubilee Party’s NEC to enable the decision-making organ comply with two-thirds gender rule.
The NEC is a top decision-making organ of the party with a role in party grassroots elections and nominations.
They also East African Legislative Assembly legislator Kanini Kega as SG in an acting capacity to replace Kioni.
Party insiders said the president Ruto-leaning camp within Jubilee led by Kega is being financed by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The DP was not immediately reachable for comment.
During the nomination to EALA, Kega publicly acknowledged Gachagua’s input for his candidature to sail through.
