In a significant turn of events, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has confirmed the illegitimacy of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's faction within the Jubilee Party. Anne Nderitu, the Registrar of Political Parties, addressed her directive to Joshua Kutuny, the Deputy Secretary General of the Kanini Kega faction aligned with President William Ruto, solidifying their leadership positions.
Furthermore, ORPP acknowledged the expulsion and deregistration of David Murathe, the former Vice Chairman, as a member of the Jubilee Party. The disciplinary processes against Hon. Jeremiah Kioni and Mr. Kagwe Gichohi were also concluded, resulting in the expulsion of Kioni and the suspension of Kagwe. ORPP stated that the party had adhered to due process in these actions, as outlined in the Political Parties Act, 2011.
Nderitu further confirmed the removal and deregistration of Jeremiah Kioni from the party. Speaking to the media, Joshua Kutuny emphasized that, as per the declaration by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, the National Delegates Conference held by Uhuru's faction on May 21 was deemed illegal and, consequently, any resolutions made during that event were null and void. Kutuny clarified that the leadership under Kanini Kega's wing was the legitimate one within the party.
Meanwhile, Uhuru expressed his determination not to succumb to threats or retire from politics, urging the faction led by Kanini Kega to seek someone else to intimidate. He mentioned his initial intention to leave politics and focus on other matters, hoping to relinquish his position in a National Delegates Conference. However, he lamented the use of threats and violence against his faction, prompting his defiant response.
Lawyer Ndengwa Njiru hinted at the possibility of legal action to counter any attempts to force Uhuru into retirement. Jubilee Party, formerly Kenya's ruling party, has been embroiled in leadership disputes since the conclusion of President Uhuru Kenyatta's second term in office. The conflicts escalated in April 2023 when rival National Executive Council (NEC) meetings were held by allies of Uhuru and Ruto. The party has been divided, with each faction accusing the other of illegitimacy and attempting to seize control of the party.