East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament, Kanini Kega, reached out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, July 10, after being confirmed as the Jubilee Party Secretary General. Kega expressed that their intention was not to exclude the former party leader and offered an invitation for reconciliation.
Addressing the media at his Nairobi office, Kega emphasized that the decision to remove Uhuru from his previous roles as party leader and secretary general was not indicative of their desire to alienate him. Nominated MP Sabina Chege assumed the position of party leader, which was previously held by Uhuru.
Kega also expressed his willingness to have a sit-down with Uhuru, stating that the party officials would welcome him back. Despite the ouster of Uhuru, Jeremiah Kioni, and David Murathe from their respective positions, Kega assured Uhuru that he remained a friend and a member of the party.
"To the former party leader, we want to confirm to you that you are still a friend and a member of the party. When you really want to come to the party, our doors are open," Kega affirmed.
Furthermore, Kega urged those aligned with Uhuru not to appeal the decision made by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) and instead prioritize the unity of the party. He indicated that the new party leadership would soon unveil programs leading up to the National Delegates Conference (NDC) scheduled for later in the year.
However, Kega hinted at the party's official decision to part ways with Azimio, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and align themselves with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza movement.
In response to allegations that Ruto had financially influenced their split from Jubilee, Kega refuted such claims, asserting that their decision was driven by ideology rather than monetary gain.
"Allegations that the party is up for sale are just lies. We want to assure our members that we will field candidates in all positions. From what we have seen, the party is loved," Kega clarified.
"The truth of the matter is that we have been mistreated in Azimio. We hope they will not appeal and accept the verdict of the Court. If they do, then we will be ready," Kega added.
Hours before Kega's address, the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) delivered a ruling confirming Kanini Kega's appointment as Secretary-General and upholding the ouster of Kioni and Murathe from the party. The faction led by Kioni, aligned with Uhuru, has not yet issued a statement regarding their next course of action.