Jubilee divorces Azimio, Murathe and Kioni suspended
The Jubilee Party has begun the process of divorcing the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition and has distanced itself from the ongoing anti-government protests.
The move bound to send shockwaves in the Azimio camp follows a State House visit for a section of Jubilee legislators.
The Uhuru-led outfit has also announced the suspension of its National Vice-Chairperson David Murathe and Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni citing “laxity and misconduct” as the reasons for the suspensions.
The NEC also suspended Kagwe Gichohi, the national treasurer.
In a statement seen by NTV Digital, the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) said, “The following officials are suspended forthwith and their cases are referred to the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution mechanism for further determination.”
The Jubilee has appointed EALA MP, Kanini Kega, as the acting Secretary General, with Rachel Nyamai named as the new acting Treasurer, and Adan Kyenan as the acting National Vice Chairman.
Jubilee party further appointed additional members to its National Executive Committee (NEC) noting that the move was to ensure compliance with the two-thirds gender rule.
“The CEC co-opts Irene Njoki Murembo, Sabina Chege, Margaret Kamar, and Jerusha Momanyi,” the party added.
The party also tasked its NEC to engage with the ruling coalition on the possibility of creating a working cooperation arrangement with it.
“The National Executive Committe engages with the ruling coalition on the possibility of creating a working cooperation arrangement with it. The committee demands that Jubilee Party be recognised as a Parliamentary Party with all the rights and benefits accruing thereto taking into account that Jubilee Party is the third largest party in Parliament,” a statement from Jubilee Party read in part.
The decision to part ways with Azimio is a big blow to Raila who allied himself with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta following the highly charged 2017 polls.
The divorce comes just days after Azimio defended former Uhuru in a rising tax evasion conflict with the Kenya Kwanza government and as Azimio ups its anti-government protests.
On Wednesday, Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua hosted Jubilee legislators as the ruling party continued its purge into Azimio.
Jubilee leaders who met the duo were led by Azimio Senate Deputy Minority Leader Fatuma Dullo, nominated MP Sabina Chege, MPs David Kiaraho (Ol Kalou), Irene Njoki (Bahati), Zachary Kwenya (Kinangop), Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Amos Mwago (Starehe), Dan Karitho (Igembe Central), Stanley Muthama (Lamu West) and Joseph Githuku (Lamu), Omar Shurie (Balambala), Adan Keynan (Eldas) and John Waluke (Sirisia).