Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's political options are shrinking by the day, especially after the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) on Monday, July 10, upheld the appointment of EALA MP Kanini Kega as the Secretary General of the Jubilee Party.
This was a major victory for the pro-Ruto faction of the party, and it puts to rest the leadership tussle that has been going on for more than seven months.
The tribunal's ruling was based on the fact that the meeting of the Jubilee Party's NEC that removed Kioni and appointed Kega was properly convened and constituted. This means that the Registrar of Political Parties was right to not recognise Kioni as the legitimate SG.
In a ruling that strategically complicated and muddied Uhuru's political waters, the tribunal also ruled that the appellants, who included Kioni, David Murathe and Kagwe Gichohi were legitimately kicked out of the party, and must pay the costs of the lawsuit.
In a gutsy power move, Kega welcomed the ruling and asked Uhuru to submit to his leadership, noting that it was time for the party to move on from the legal battle. He has also called on all party members to unite and focus on the 2027 general election.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Political Analyst Martin Atandi observed that Uhuru and his Azimio la Umoja allies were on the verge of losing control of the party, and it could be a matter of time before the former Head of State is kicked out of his own outfit.
"The ruling is a major setback for the pro-Kenyatta faction of the party, which had been hoping to retain control of the party. However, it is a major victory for the pro-Ruto faction, which has been gaining ground in recent months.
"It remains to be seen how the party will move forward from here. However, the ruling is a clear sign that the pro-Ruto faction is now in control of the party.
Atandi noted that the former Head of State should also focus on his personal life and interests. However, it would also mean giving up his influence on Kenyan politics, especially, in Central Kenya.
"While it may be still too early to say what Kenyatta will decide to do, his options are limited, and he will need to make a decision soon. The former President is 61 years old.
"Notably, the political landscape in Kenya is very fluid, and it is difficult to predict what the future holds. This may make Kenyatta hesitant to make a major decision about his political future," Atandi stated.
The political analyst stated that ultimately, the decision of what to do next is up to Uhuru. He will need to weigh all of his options carefully before making a decision.
Another Political Analyst and Political Science Lecturer, Saviour Wafula, noted that the Retired President should rethink his approach since his options were narrowing after losing control of the Jubilee Party to Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege's faction.
According to Wafula, Uhuru should consider formulating a political strategy that would allow him to retain control of his political base and continue to influence Kenyan politics.
However, Wafula noted that it would also be a risky move, as it would require Kenyatta to build a new domain from scratch and compete with the established parties, such as UDA and ODM.
"This is because remaining in Jubilee Party would mean accepting the leadership of Sabina Chege. This may be a difficult pill to swallow for Kenyatta, as he has been at odds with Chege in the past," Wafula noted.
