Nairobi, Kenya – In a significant ruling on Monday, the High Court in Nairobi has overturned a decision by a faction within the Jubilee Party to expel its former leadership, who were in charge during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
The ruling allows Jubilee Vice Chairperson David Murathe to retain his position, despite attempts by certain members to remove him. The High Court’s decision was delivered by Justice Janet Mulwa, who also reinstated Jeremiah Kioni to his role as the party’s Secretary General. This ruling effectively puts an end to the ongoing internal power struggle that has threatened to tear the party apart.
In a statement following the court’s decision, the Jubilee Party, through its official channels, declared, “Victory as the High Court rules that Jubilee Party belongs to Uhuru Kenyatta.” The statement also confirmed that Justice Mulwa nullified the decision of the Sabina Chege and Kanini Kega-led National Executive Committee (NEC), which had earlier sought to expel Kioni, Murathe, and Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi.
The court battle stems from an internal leadership tussle that saw a faction of the party, led by Sabina Chege and East Africa Community MP Kanini Kega, stage a takeover. This group attempted to remove Uhuru Kenyatta as the party leader, alongside the ousting of other key figures such as Kioni and Murathe. The move caused deep divisions within the party, with both sides claiming legitimacy over its leadership.
The faction led by Kioni and Murathe responded by seeking legal recourse, asking the court to reverse the actions of their opponents. With today’s ruling, the leadership structure under Uhuru Kenyatta’s loyalists remains intact.
Justice Mulwa’s ruling also directed that each party involved in the legal proceedings should bear their own costs, meaning neither faction will be solely responsible for covering the legal fees. “The appeal No. E630/E635 of 2023 has been allowed in its entirety. Each party has to bear its own costs,” the judgment read.
However, the judge declined to hold Kanini Kega, Sabina Chege, and Joshua Kutuny in contempt for assuming party roles without legal backing, stating that there was insufficient cause to hold them in contempt of court.
Despite the ruling, Sabina Chege’s faction has yet to issue a formal statement or reveal their next steps. The political future of Jubilee Party remains uncertain, as tensions between the two camps continue to simmer.
The ruling is seen as a major victory for former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s camp, solidifying his influence over the Jubilee Party. However, it remains to be seen whether the opposing faction will mount another challenge or accept the court’s decision.
For now, the Jubilee Party leadership remains in the hands of those who were at the helm during Kenyatta’s reign, with Murathe, Kioni, and Gichohi back in their positions.