Jubilee Leadership in Disarray: Clash Between Political Parties Registrar and Tribunal
President William Ruto’s decision yesterday to recognize nominated MP Sabina Chege as Jubilee Party leader. Has placed him on a collision course with his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Anne Nderitu, the Registrar of Political Parties. Threw another wrench into the works when she confirmed the expulsion of Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni. Vice-Chairman David Murathe, and Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi — the three remaining top officials loyal to Mr. Kenyatta.
After the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) reinstated the three top officials to their party leadership positions. Yesterday’s communication from the parties’ registrar is likely to cause further confusion within the former ruling party.
The tribunal ruled on May 22 that Mr. Kioni, Mr. Mr Kioni, Mr Murathe and Mr Gichohi remain in office until May 31 when their complaint will be heard.
The letter from the registrar is dated 19 May, the same day that the East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega faction expelled the two.
On Monday, Mr. Kenyatta and Mr. Odinga accused the President of persecution, advising him to stay away from Jubilee and tying the current bipartisan talks to whether or not Dr. Ruto keeps his word.
The following day, in a meeting with Kenya Kwanza Alliance MPs, Cabinet members, and other government officials, President Ruto supported Ms. Chege’s bid to take over Jubilee.
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“Let me recognize and welcome my fellow party leader, Hon. Sabina Chege, to this meeting,” the President said amid applause from the attendees.
Mr. Odinga yesterday accused Dr. Ruto of influencing the registrar’s decision.
” Ruto’s government should cease interfering with the operation of political parties. Mr. Odinga stated in Alego Usonga, Siaya County, where he visited flood victims and distributed relief food, that the parties must be able to conduct their affairs independently, without interference from the state.
According to the leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, the President is hell-bent on weakening the opposition, a move the coalition will not tolerate.
“This is a warning from the coalition of Azimio. Mr. Odinga stated, “I am ordering the registrar to move swiftly and approve names ratified by the Jubilee national delegates conference (NDC), or there will be consequences.”
Jubilee numbers
Jubilee has 29 National Assembly members and five senators. Only four elected leaders support Mr. Kenyatta, the remainder supporting the Kega faction.
Ms. Nderitu stated yesterday at a press conference that according to their records, the two expelled officials are no longer listed as party officials of the former ruling party.
She explained that the decision to remove the members was made on Friday and that the affected individuals were notified via email on the same day.
Consequently, she argued that her office did not violate the law because their decision was made before Tuesday’s order from the tribunal.
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“Let’s see what the court says and decides about our decision through the court’s process. Our decision was made on Friday, but we received the orders today, even though they are dated May 22,” Ms. Nderitu explained.
The registrar also cast doubt on the legitimacy of Jubilee’s Monday NDC, arguing that the meeting was not properly convened.
She stated that the April 28 national executive council (NEC) meeting that convened the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was improperly convened because it lacked a quorum.
Ms. Nderitu explained that Article 23 of the party’s constitution stipulates that one-third of the membership constitutes a quorum for all meetings of all party organs.
However, only nine people attended the NEC meeting, and two of them, Maison Leshomo and Polycarp Hinga, had not yet assumed office.
“Due to the aforementioned, the resolutions from the April 28 meeting are invalid due to lack of quorum,” she said.
Nonetheless, Mr. Kioni scoffed at the claims. Stating that the party’s constitution stipulates that seven members. Or one-third of the 21 members, constitute a quorum for meetings.
He stated that copies of the NEC meeting notices were distributed. And that a court order allowing the NDC to take place was delivered before the meeting.
“The deception here is that we were supposed to have received the letter before the NDC. Some individuals do not want Uhuru Kenyatta to lead the party, and they are doing everything they can to prevent it,” Mr. Kioni said yesterday during a press conference after serving the registrar with the NDC resolutions.
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Mr. Kioni accused Ms. Nderitu of being used to kill multiparty democracy. Claiming that the office will now become a point of interest for Azimio along with the electoral commission. The National Treasury, and the Parliament.
“We cannot permit the use of a public official by individuals who have no regard for multiparty democracy and whose sole objective is to destroy it. “Not a single registrar decision has passed the tribunal’s scrutiny,” he stated.
Ms. Nderitu defended herself against allegations that she was dancing to the tune of the Kenya Kwanza government. By fueling the ongoing squabbles in the Mr. Kenyatta-led party. Stating that they can only decide what has been presented to them.
“This accusation has existed forever. In this country, every time you make a decision, you will be accused in some way. “At some point, you will be accused of dancing to the tune of the government or opposition,” she warned.
Yesterday, at the State House meeting presided over by President Ruto. Sources told GossipA2Z that the recognition garnered support from women leaders at the meeting. With Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Shollei requesting support to defend Ms. Chege and other women leaders facing “hostility.”
Through his Twitter account, Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale also supported Ms. Chege as the legitimate Jubilee leader.
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President Ruto’s statement appeared to be a response to Mr. Kenyatta’s attack on him on Monday.
The former president of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Broke his silence regarding what he termed persecution by President Ruto’s regime. Stating that he would not be intimidated into submission.
The former head of state, who reaffirmed his position as Jubilee’s leader. Stated that he had wanted to retire from active politics and focus on other matters, but was forced to remain so due to the Ruto regime’s persistent attacks.
He stated that every Kenyan deserves respect and that his silence should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness.
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“If some people are silent, you should not assume they are afraid of you. No, erase that from your mind. Heshima si utumwa is not slavery. Behave like leaders, and you will earn respect. Behave as thugs, and you will be treated as thugs,” he declared to the applause of party delegates.
Jubilee Leadership in Disarray: Clash Between Political Parties Registrar and Tribunal
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