Registrar of Political Parties declines Jubilee MPs’ request to exit Azimio Coalition
Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu has dealt a blow to Jubilee parliamentarians who declared their support for President William Ruto and sought to exit the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance coalition.
The legislators had written to Nderitu requesting to leave the coalition and change the party’s leadership, but the registrar declined their request, asking them to follow the process outlined in the Azimio coalition agreement.
This means that the Coalition Council, chaired by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, will have a say in any move by a partner party to exit Azimio. Nderitu also asked the MPs to follow the party’s internal dispute resolution and disciplinary processes.
This now throws the cat among the pigeons as Jubilee Party has two factions with one backing President Uhuru Kenyatta and others backing the former party deputy and now President, William Ruto.
Last week, a Jubilee Party National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nakuru resolved to suspend Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, Vice Chair David Murathe, and Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi, replacing them with EALA MP Kanini Kega, Aden Keynan, and Rachel Nyamai respectively.
However, Kioni dismissed the resolutions, and the Registrar of Political Parties asked the party to update her office on the progress of the internal dispute resolution and disciplinary processes.
The registrar acknowledged Jubilee’s NEC decision, stating that it followed the party’s constitution.
“The Office has taken note of the contents of your submissions and the resolutions. It is also noted that the meeting was properly convened as per the party constitution,” she said.
“It is expected that the party shall update the Office on the progress of the internal dispute resolution and disciplinary processes. You are further required to adhere to the provisions of the party constitution as you undertake the said processes,” said Nderitu.
The Jubilee MPs’ move to exit the coalition and change the party’s leadership has been met with resistance, and the Registrar of Political Parties has insisted that they follow due process.
It remains to be seen what direction the legislators take in the upcoming session of the National Assembly.