Confusion has gripped the former ruling Jubilee Party after some members backed calls by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga for talks to address the nation’s ongoing crisis.
This move comes amid strong opposition from Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, who has staunchly rejected any dialogue with the Ruto government, asserting that his stance is supported by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the party leader.
Acting National Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the party’s parliamentary group, Adan Keynan, diverged from Kioni’s position by welcoming the proposed rapprochement between the ruling party and the opposition.
In a statement, Keynan expressed the party’s endorsement of forming an all-inclusive government as suggested by President Ruto.
“On behalf of the Jubilee Party fraternity and the entire membership, we unequivocally and firmly endorse the national dialogue initiative and the subsequent formation of a broad-based and all-inclusive government,” Keynan stated.
“This endeavour is paramount in cultivating peace, unity, and national cohesion that transcend narrow political interests and defining the welfare and state of our nation as the top priority and a subject of utmost importance.”
Keynan, who is also the Eldas MP, emphasized the party’s commitment to fostering harmony and promoting the country’s stability.
He underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving key national goals, despite the internal opposition.
However, Secretary-General Kioni continues to stand firm against the dialogue calls.
He is among the Azimio leaders pressuring Raila Odinga to retract any decision to engage with President Ruto.
Following the announcement of the six-day talks set to begin on Monday, Kioni was one of the first to voice his dissent.
Kioni criticized past dialogue efforts, arguing that they have been ineffective and their reports, such as the Waki, Ndungu, TJRC, BBI, and Nadco reports, remain unimplemented.
“The writing is on the wall! Implement the Constitution,” he urged, stressing that political leaders often step in to save the state from further crises only after situations worsen.
The Jubilee Party is currently divided into two factions: one allied with the opposition and led by Kioni, and the other aligned with Kenya Kwanza and led by EALA MP Kanini Kega.
These factions have been in a constant tussle for control of the party, further complicating the internal dynamics and party unity.
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