Jubilee, Kanu Merger Suspended

  • By Stephanie Wangari on 12 May 2020 - 11:04 am
    A photo of President Uhuru Kenyatta when he condoled with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi at Kabarak following the death of Jonathan Moi, in April 2019.
    President Uhuru Kenyatta when he condoled with Baringo Senator Gideon Moi at Kabarak following the death of Jonathan Moi, in April 2019.
    PSCU

  • Political Parties Disputes Resolution Tribunal on Tuesday, May 12, suspended post-poll coalition deal between Jubilee Party and the Kenya African National Union (KANU).

    The tribunal stated that the coalition had to be approved by the National Executive Committee of the Jubilee Party and in Strict Compliance of the Political Parties (Registration) Regulations.

    The decision was made after Jubilee deputy Secretary-General and Soy MP Caleb Kosittany, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali and Jubilee Treasurer Albert Mutai filed an appeal with the Political Parties Tribunal.

    Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Senator Susan Kihika at a past event.
    Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui and Senator Susan Kihika at a past event.
    File

    The respondents on the case were listed as Jubilee Sec-Gen Raphael Tuju, Jubilee Chairman Nelson Dzuya and the Registrar of Political Parties.

    Also, The Jubilee and KANU party were listed as interested parties in the case.

    "An interim order be and is hereby issued restraining the 2nd and 3rd respondents from making any coalition agreements on behalf of the 1st interested party, jubilee party with any party/parties without a valid, formal resolution of a duly convened National Executive Committee of Jubilee Party and in strict compliance of Regulation 21 of the Political Parties (Registration) Regulations," read the statement signed by the Political Parties Disputes Resolution Tribunal.

    In their letter, the petitioners had sought orders to declare the union between the two parties as null and void.

    Kihika wrote to the Senate indicating that she was still the Majority Whip. She added that she did not acknowledge the election between Jubilee and KANU.

    A day after KANU and Jubilee signed a post-election coalition agreement, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, who was the Senate Majority Leader, was replaced by  West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio, a member of KANU.

    Murang'a Senator Irungu Kang'ata was picked as the Majority Whip, a position previously held by his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika.

    On the other hand, Wajir Nominated Senator Haji Farhiya Ali would deputise Kang'ata and Senator Fatuma Dullo retained her Deputy Majority Leader position.

    Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) addresses the media outside his office on May 11, 2020.
    Senators Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet) addresses the media outside his office on May 11, 2020.
    KBC