Uhuru men eye Mt Kenya with olive branch after major court win
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has secured a major win in the battle for the control of his Jubilee Party, effectively opening up an opportunity for the outfit to gain footing in Mt Kenya in the face of the bitter fallout in the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The High Court this week declared Mr Kenyatta’s close allies – Mr Jeremiah Kioni (Secretary General) and Mr David Murathe (Vice Chairman) as the bonafide party officials.
The court has therefore overturned the decision by a pro-President William Ruto wing of the party that had tried to kick out Mr Kenyatta and his allies out of the party.
The long-running battle for the control of Jubilee started after the last General Elections after some of the party officials declared support for President Ruto. Jubilee backed opposition leader Raila Odinga in the presidential election that he lost to Dr Ruto.
Also Read: Reprieve for Uhuru camp as court stops removal of Murathe, Kioni from Jubilee Party
The pro-Ruto camp had nominated MP Sabina Chege as the party leader to replace Mr Kenyatta, while East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Kanini Kega was picked as the acting Secretary General to replace Mr Kioni. The rival faction also kicked out Mr Murathe as the party Vice Chairperson in a bitter tussle for the soul of the former ruling party.
The High Court ruling means that Mr Kenyatta and his allies remain in charge of the party that swept the former President to power in 2017, with a majority of its elected members from the populous Mt Kenya and Rift Valley.
In the last election, however, Jubilee lost its Mt Kenya stronghold to UDA of Dr Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua. The two have since fallen out, with Mr Gachagua already running a ‘traitor’ narrative that has the potential of hurting UDA popularity in the region.
The ongoing impeachment proceeding against Mr Gachagua has exacerbated the political relationship, with high chances that Mr Gachagua would have to scout for a new party in the run-up to the next poll. His allies have openly regretted joining hands with Dr Ruto, without first forming a party for purposes of entering a pact.
Mr Kioni and other Jubilee officials have already lined up political activities to popularize the party in what analysts believe is aimed at exploiting the disaffection in the populous region.
Also Read: Jubilee now trains guns on Sabina Chege after Nyamira nominated MCA ouster
Mr Kioni has also extended an olive branch to Ms Chege, Mr Kega and other Jubilee politicians who had jumped ship to support Dr Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Anything that had been declared by the rebels has been declared null and void. But we want to make it clear that we have no intention to use the judgment to cause harm to any of them. Our arms are open and we welcome them back to work with us,” Mr Kiono told Nation.
He disclosed that Mr Kenyatta was happy about the ruling, stating that “Uhuru is happy that truth and justice has prevailed. He has never antagonized the rebels and has no intention of doing so.”
He said the party plans to embark on an aggressive membership drive in at least 35 counties, especially in Mt Kenya, Nairobi, North Eastern, Western, Coast and Rift Valley as part of their preparations for 2027.
Also Read: Mt Kenya Jubilee Party leaders divided on uniting behind DP Gachagua
In the judgment, Nelson Dzuya (Chairman), Joshua Kutuny (Deputy Secretary General), Naomi Shaban (Deputy Party Leader, Outreach), Jimmy Angwenyi (Deputy Party Leader, Strategy), Peter Mositet (Deputy Party Leader, Programs), Mutava Musyimi (Deputy National Organising Secretary) and Joe Kibe (Business Council: National Chairperson) have been given 30 days to choose between serving as party officials or holding onto their state appointments.
Dr Ruto appointed the officials to various boards. Mr Kenyatta’s attempt to have them replaced was challenged.
Mr Kioni said the officials have to choose between serving in the party or holding state jobs.
But Mr Kutuny disclosed their plans of proceeding to the Court of Appeal to challenge the judgment. Mr Kutuny, who serves as the chair of Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) told Nation that Justice Janet Mulwa did not provide convincing justification for her judgment.
He said they want an expanded bench to give a proper interpretation about their board membership jobs, which he said does not fall in the category of State Officers.
“We will challenge it at the Court of Appeal because there was no justification. We don’t sit in the office all the time. We are not state officers. It is only state officers who cannot double in party politics,” said Mr Kioni.
He said they hope to have the decision overturned by the higher court.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.