President Uhuru Kenyatta has realigned Jubilee's management after losing multiple by-elections that saw party members call for changes.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke on Thursday, July 8, Jubilee Secretary General Raphael Tuju admitted that the head of state strengthened the party to keep pace with other parties prior to the 2022 General Elections.
Tuju who took the blame for the party's losses in by-elections conducted in Kiambu and Nakuru Counties, however, played cagey with the changes arguing that they were normal and paramount to all associations.
"Yes, the team was strengthened but I cannot confirm the details you are asking me to. We are not rebranding but realigning," Tuju stated.
Sources privy to the changes detailed that the National Management Committee (NMC) approved the new lineup. Osman Hassan, Kamau Mbugua and Titus Ngahu were appointed Senior Directors for the Outreach, Legal and Elections team.
Wambui Gichuru was appointed Acting Executive Director while Albert Mwemusi retained his position as the party's Communications Director.
NMC reportedly met the five officials on Friday, July 2 at a retreat in Nairobi where they discussed new strategies that would ensure the team attracts members, voters and stays in touch with the youth.
New Strategies for 2022 Elections
The new strategies include; Recruitment of members and activating the party leadership at the constituency and county level, opening new party offices, rebranding, realigning the secretariat and regional offices.
Others include building new coalitions, organising retreats for all members, highlighting Jubilee Party's achievements and supporting Uhuru's fight against corruption.
On Thursday, July 8, the President met Jubilee Party’s Kiambaa MP candidate - Kariri Njama and Muguga ward MCA aspirant - Githinji Mungara - at State House to rubber-stamp his new aspirations. The candidates will face off Deputy President William Ruto's UDA aspirants in the July 15 by-elections.
Uhuru was reportedly angered by Tuju and Vice-Chairman David Murathe's handling of Juja, Kiambu by-elections which Jubilee lost to Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria's the People's Empowerment Party (PEP).
He allegedly chased away the duo and other leaders from the State House and demanded a detailed explanation of the loss.
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru and Nyeri Town MP, Ngunjiri Wambugu, were among leaders who urged Uhuru to revamp the party. Waiguru stated that "We have a much younger generation dominating the electorate.
"Our outlook and strategies must suit the times and so we must be willing to step off our comfort zone and embrace new ways of thinking and doing. We need a re-energised Jubilee that projects the face of Kenya in all its diversities.”
Ruto allies, nonetheless, argued that Jubilee was dead and beyond repair and they were preparing to jump ship to UDA in 2022.
