Embattled Jubilee Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, has reiterated that the former ruling party will not decamp from Azimio, putting to rest reports of a planned exit from the opposition.
In the past few weeks, Kioni met various leaders from the Mt Kenya region, including NARC-Kenya party leader Martha Karua, former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, and Party of National Unity leader Peter Munya, sparking rumors of a planned exit.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Kioni disputed the rumors and noted that the meetings focused on the interests of the Mt Kenya region.
"We are not leaving Azimio but that doesn't mean that we will not think about our people. You have seen (DAP-K leader Eugene) Wamalwa and (former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe) Oparanya trying to bring the Western people together. Also, (Azimio) Raila Odinga has in the past brought ODM leaders from the Luo region, so for us we have to think about the interests of our people," he stated.
The former Ndaragwa MP explained that the Kamwene leaders' meeting serves as a platform for Mt. Kenya leaders to address various problems affecting their constituents. Kamwene is a Kikuyu word that means "the owner".
Kioni criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration for focussing on specific aspects of different sectors of the economy instead of adopting a wholesome approach.
For instance, Kioni questioned why the current government is focusing too much on distributing subsidised fertiliser but neglecting the needs of other farmers.
"What about farmers who don't grow maize?" he questioned.
Kioni confirmed that more people from the Mt Kenya would join the meetings in the coming days and noted that leaders from other regions who share the same mindset were open to join the discussions.
Regarding whether this forum would lead to a political entity for the 2027 General Election, the former legislator did not provide confirmation, emphasising that their primary political agenda remains centered on addressing the cost of living.
Kioni further criticised President William Ruto's scheduled tour of the Mt Kenya region starting this Saturday, accusing him of undermining the region's leadership.
"You clearly see what happened to that region, this is a violation of the integrity of the Mt Kenya people. You only allow such people to camp in your region and be your spokesperson under slavery," he lamented.
The power struggles within the Jubilee camp have significantly weakened the once-dominant party, reducing it to a mere shadow of its former self.
The dispute between Kioni's camp and the one led by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega has been a major talking point in the mediation talks between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza.
Azimio politicians have voiced their displeasure with Kega's faction attempts to take over the party saying the move is geared at undermining democracy.
The tensions within Jubilee have also precipitated friction within Azimio, with some members claiming the former ruling party does not wield enough political capital to be considered a peer to ODM and Wiper.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has alleged that both Jubilee and NARC-Kenya don't add any value to Azimio.
In a rejoinder, Kioni faulted the remarks maintaining that the party was still strong, contrary to popular opinion.
"I don't want to talk about Alai because I put Alai and (Deputy President Rigathi) Gachagua in the same basket. Gachagua said if you are not a shareholder, you will have to wait until it's your turn."
"On the other hand, Alai said in the same breath, that in Mt Kenya during the mass protests, there was not enough disruptions so Jubilee does not deserve to be in the Committee. It's the same mentality and as long as you have that mentality, you will go nowhere," he added.
