Jubilee Party Leadership Reinstated Amid Factional Struggle and Coalition Confusion
The Jubilee Party, one of Kenya’s prominent political entities, is grappling with internal power struggles and external coalition disputes. The High Court has issued an order reinstating the embattled party officials, Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Vice Chair David Murathe, and Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi. This decision comes almost a month after a previous order had ousted them from their positions following a ruling by the Political Parties and Disputes Tribunal (PPDT).
“…status quo be maintained pending inter-parties hearing” read the ruling passed by the court on 07th August 2023 through Lady Justice Asenath Ongeri. The court’s decision is in place pending an interparty hearing on September 13, 2023.
The ousted faction, led by EALA MP Kanini Kega and nominated legislator Sabina Chege, had orchestrated leadership changes that saw Kioni, Murathe, and Gichohi being removed from their roles. Kega was appointed as the acting Secretary General, while Chege took on the role of acting party leader. Additionally, Adan Keynan was appointed to replace Murathe as the National Deputy Chairperson, and Rachael Nyamai was designated to replace Gichohi.
However, the reinstated faction, led by Kioni, is now regaining control following the High Court’s order. This legal battle has exposed the deep divisions within the Jubilee Party and underscores the ongoing struggle for control.
Eldas MP Adan Keynan during a morning panel interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday 08th August 2023 shed light on another layer of complexity within the Jubilee Party. Keynan who was speaking in his capacity as the then Jubilee Party Deputy Chairperson just hours before the High Court decided that the Kioni-led faction will now retain leadership until the case is heard and determined, highlighted the party’s intention to exit the Azimio One Kenya coalition and rejoin the ruling party Kenya Kwanza.
Keynan claims that Jubilee was sidelined within the coalition’s decision-making processes, and this lack of representation prompted the party’s exit strategy. He alleges that Jubilee was deceived by the leaders who formed the coalition, drawing parallels to historical instances where leaders like Mudavadi and Wetangula were allegedly duped.
“First of all we were not party to the arrangement that led to the formation of the coalition. It was done by leaders then, but I think we were duped,” said Hon. Keynan.
Keynan’s assertion of being misled by the coalition led by Raila Odinga has stirred controversy. He argues that Jubilee, as the second-largest party in the coalition, should have held significant positions within its structure.
“Look at the structure of parliament. We were conned the same way Wetang’ula was conned, the same way Mudavadi was conned. History repeats itself” added the Eldas MP.
The opposition’s tri-weekly protests, which included property damage and loss of lives, further fueled the party’s decision to distance itself from Azimio.
“Jubilee has refused and will continue to refuse to be party to maandamano that are tailor-made for the destruction of the property and lives of Kenyans,” said the veteran politician who was first elected into parliament in 1997, as an MP for the then Wajir West parliamentary seat. “We as Jubilee have decided to invoke the exit clause, we’ve given notice and therefore we are no longer part of Azimio.” revealed Hon Keynan just hours before the High Court removed him along with Kanini Kega and Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai from the reins of power in Jubilee Party.
The Jubilee Party’s internal rift is mirrored by the coalition’s own internal conflicts. The leadership struggle has now reached the courtroom, with multiple legal cases challenging the legitimacy of both factions. The temporary reinstatement of Kioni’s faction has added another twist to the ongoing battle.
The legal tussle has broader implications as Kenya’s political landscape continues to evolve. The bipartisan talks between the opposition and the government have entered the spotlight. Kenya Kwanza’s alleged poaching of opposition parties affiliated with the Azimio coalition is expected to be a key point of discussion.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes are on the September 13th inter-parties hearing, where the fate of Jubilee’s leadership structure will likely be decided. The outcome of these legal battles could significantly shape the future of the party. As Kenya’s political landscape evolves, the ability of parties to manage internal power dynamics and navigate coalitions will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s governance and policies.
The reinstated faction’s plea to its followers not to recognise the leadership of the opposing faction further underscores the deep-seated animosity and lack of trust within the party. Ultimately, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Jubilee Party can overcome its internal strife and emerge as a united force or continue to grapple with internal power struggles that could impact its standing in Kenyan politics.