Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Tuesday, May 23 warned President William Ruto about meddling in the affairs of political parties allied to the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition.
Odinga spoke after distributing food aid to floods stricken families in Siaya County, in the company of Governor James Orengo.
“We said that the Ruto government should not interfere with the running of political parties.
“Political parties must be allowed to conduct their affairs independently without interference from the state,” he stated.
His speech came hours after the Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, confirmed the ouster of Jubilee Party leaders, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Jeremiah Kioni and David Murathe.
“This is a warning. Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition will not accept interference by the government in the running of affairs of parties that are in the Azimio coalition.
“We therefore urge the registrar to move with speed and register the new officials of the Jubilee Party failure to which there would be consequences,” he added.
Nderitu's affirmation ruffled feathers, coming a day after Uhuru convened Jubilee NDC on Monday, May 22 at Ngong Racecourse.
"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 Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to Joshua Kutuny dated Friday, May 19.
Jubilee Party Changes
During the National Delegates Congress at Ngong’ Racecourse the Uhuru-led faction approved new leadership changes in the party.
Those who were kicked out included: Jimmy Angweny, former Buuri MP Boniface Kinoti Gatobu, Naomi Shaban, Nelson Dzuya, Joshua Kutuny, Mutava Musyimi, East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega, Rachael Nyamaye, Advice Mundalo, Executive Director Wambui Gichuru, and Joel Kibe.
The proposed party chairman was former Principal Secretary Saitoti Torome with the Secretary-General position remaining with former MP Jeremiah Kioni.
