Kioni Unveils Obasanjo’s Concerns in Ruto, Raila Talks
Jubilee’s Secretary-General, Jeremiah Kioni, who is currently facing challenges, disclosed two matters that were brought up by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in his discussion with President William Ruto and Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja.
In a media interview held on Thursday, August 3rd, Kioni clarified that Ruto and Raila had a passionate discussion about the conflicts within the Jubilee party, with both of them vying for control of the party.
Based on Kioni’s description, the Nigerian president, in his role as a mediator, inquired from the two leaders about how the conflict contributed to reducing the cost of living.
“When this issue (Jubilee) was raised in Mombasa during the talks, Raila posed the question to Ruto,” Kioni stated.
“Ruto stated that Jubilee is his party and (former President) Uhuru stole it from him. Even Obasanjo laughed and asked how that is helping Kenyans out of the situation they are in.”
The Nigerian leader’s second concern revolved around the decline in opposition strength. Kioni highlighted that Obasanjo struggled to grasp the government’s strategy of attracting Azimio faction members, consequently impeding the opposition’s ability to perform its supervisory duties capably.
In response to the Jubilee party’s exclusion from the dialogue team, Kioni emphasized that the party is content with the composition of Azimio’s five members.
“On the committee, I don’t think this is going anywhere. Give it another two or three days. We are happy with the members, if we get an opportunity we will sit in it, if not then so be it,” he stated.
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The ex-Member of Parliament for Ndaragwa expressed the view that followers of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) from the Mt Kenya area had abandoned the party due to the significant increase in the prices of essential goods.
“When you talk to Kenyans out there, they will tell you they are fed up with UDA. Instead of thinking of how they can deliver on the promises they made, they think that by killing the opposition, they have a chance of survival.”
He additionally addressed allegations made by Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, who asserted that Jubilee and NARC-Kenya are not contributing any benefits to Azimio.
“I don’t want to talk about Alai because I put Alai and (Deputy President Rigathi) Gachagua in the same basket. Gachagua said if you are not a shareholder, you will have to wait until it’s your turn.”
“On the other hand, Alai said in the same breath, that in Mt Kenya during the mass protests, there were not enough disruptions so Jubilee does not deserve to be in the Committee. It’s the same mentality and as long as you have that mentality, you will go nowhere,” he added.
Dialogue Team
Kenya Kwanza introduced its bipartisan talks delegation consisting of five members on Thursday, August 2nd.
The group comprises Kimani Ichung’wah, who holds the position of National Assembly Majority Leader, Aaron Cheruiyot, the Senate Majority Leader, Cecily Mbarire, the Governor of Embu, Hassan Omar, a former Senator from Mombasa, and Catherine Wambilianga, the Representative for Bungoma Women.
However, the Azimio group is made up of individuals such as Kalonzo Musyoka, who leads the Wiper party, Opiyo Wandayi, the National Assembly Minority leader, Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party, Okong’o Omogeni, Senator of Nyamira, and Amina Mnyanzi, who is the MP for Malindi.
The team consisting of ten members is scheduled to engage in discussions to resolve the concerns between the opposition and the government.
Kioni Unveils Obasanjo’s Concerns in Ruto, Raila Talks
