Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party wing got reprieve after the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT), sitting at the High Court on Monday, May 22, extended orders barring Nominated MP Sabina Chege's wing from taking over outfit's leadership.
PPDT ruled in favour of embattled Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni who had asked the bench to issue temporary staying orders until the case is heard and determined.
In response, PPDT noted that the matter before it was urgent, as such, Chairman Desma Nungo ordered the applicant, Kioni to serve respondents in the case with deep-running narrowed interests.
"Pending the hearing and determination of the Application inter partes, interim conservatory orders are hereby issued staying the decision delivered by the 1st Respondent's National Disciplinary Committee on 10th May 2023 to expel the Complainant/Applicant from membership of the 1st Respondent.
"Pending the hearing and determination of the Application inter partes, interim conservatory orders are hereby issued prohibiting the 2nd Respondent from acting on any communication from the 1st Respondent and Interested Parties purporting to expel," read part of the ruling.
The Tribunal also ordered respondents and interested parties to file and serve their responses to the application within five days of the date of service.
While the Tribunal issued a directive that respondents and interested parties return duly filled service within three days after being served.
At the same time, all parties were ordered to appear in court on May 31, 2023, when the matter will be mentioned and further orders issued, accordingly.
Kioni had filed the Notice of Motion Application on May 19, and the matter was certified urgent for consideration ex-parte in this first instance only.
Kioni wasted no time serving the Respondents and Interested Parties, including Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu.
On Friday, May 19, the Office Of the Registrar of Political Parties confirmed that Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta had lost the battle over the Jubilee Party leadership.
In a letter addressed to Deputy Secretary General Joshua Kutuny, the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, affirmed the leadership of Sabina Chege as party leader and Kanini Kega as Secretary General.
She also stated that embattled Vice Chairman David Murathe had been expelled and deregistered as a member of the Jubilee Party.
"It is further noted that the party concluded the disciplinary processes against Hon. Jeremiah Kioni, Hon. David Murathe, and Mr. Kagwe Gichohi, wherein they participated in line with Section 14B (2) of the Political Parties Act, 2011 (PPA).
"Consequently, the party expelled Hon. Kioni, Hon. Murathe and suspended Mr. Kagwe. Following a review of the submitted documents in line with the PPA and the party constitution, this Office is satisfied that the party adhered to due process," read part of the letter from ORPP to Kutuny dated Friday, May 19.
