Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta who also serves as the Jubilee Party chairman on Wednesday 26 April,stormed the party headquarters in Nairobi to avert what looked like a ‘coup’ as the party was being subjected to a forcible takeover by rebel officials.
Jubilee is torn down in the middle, with some of its leaders voting to join the ruling coalition and others to remain in the opposition which is aligned to the former president.
Earlier in the day, East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega, Sarah Korere (Laikipia North), John Waluke (Sirisia), Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop), Sabina Chege (nominated), Adan Keynan (Eldas) and Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South) had stormed the party headquarters in an attempt to take control over the party. Kioni who was at the building reportedly locked himself inside the premises leaving the aforementioned officials outside.
The chaotic ordeal ended up injuring a journalist and a protester before Uhuru Kenyatta stepped in.
Uhuru could be heard threatening the police officers deplored at the party premises,that he will stand at the gate until they allow him in. The police then dispersed.
“Harakisha muende. Nitasimama hapa mpaka mutoke,” which loosely translates to “hurry up and leave. I’ll stand here untillyou leave.” The retired president told the officers.
Once they were out of the way, Uhuru walked into the party premises from where he addressed a gathering of his supporters. He emphasized on peaceful engagements as he urged the rebels to walk out in peace.
“We don’t want to fight anybody. If someone wants to leave a party, you leave it in peace. We want peace and we are here to protect our rights and our party. We want them to give us our rights as the party members because we follow our Constitution. ”Uhuru said.
He also condemned the acts of police which according to him were distractive to the neighbours of the party building.
“This is a rented building and it is unfortunate that police hurled teargas which caused disturbance to the neighbours and that is not right.”
He also cautioned the police against being used politically and misusing their authority, urging them to uphold the law.
“When taking oath of office you vowed to protect Kenyans. I urge you politely please do not allow yourselves to be used for political gain. Once that is done, we will hurt as a country. Please consider the rights of Kenyans.Police have several duties, not to come here to cause chaos. We are warning those attempting to take this party by force that we will protect it.” Uhuru said.
Mr Kioni confirmed that the party will initiate the process to revoke the nomination of Ms Chege in the National Assembly and recall Mr Kega from Eala.
“We cannot have our member nominated and even appointed as whip, only to whip for the other side. Once a member has shifted allegiance like in the case of Kega and Chege, they are deemed to have resigned from the nominating party,” Kioni said.
Uhuru said Jubilee members are able to resolve their issues internally without being pushed by the police on what to do.