Tensions have arisen within the former ruling Jubilee Party following divergent views among its members regarding calls by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga for talks to address the nation’s crisis.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has strongly opposed engaging in discussions with the Ruto government, citing approval from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who remains the party leader.
Meanwhile, Acting National Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the party’s parliamentary group Adan Keynan has issued a statement welcoming the reconciliation efforts between the ruling party and the opposition. Keynan expressed support for the proposal of forming an all-inclusive government, as put forward 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,” he said.
“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.”
Eldas MP emphasized his party’s steadfastness and pivotal role in fostering national harmony and stability. He underscored the party’s recognition of the importance of collaboration to achieve critical national objectives.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General Kioni continues to oppose calls for dialogue. He is among Azimio leaders pressuring Raila to refrain from engaging with Ruto. Immediately after President William Ruto and Raila announced talks scheduled to begin today, he was quick to express his dissent.
He criticized previous dialogue efforts whose reports, like the Waki report, Ndungu report, TJRC report, BBI report, and Nadco report, he claimed have languished without implementation. “The writing is on the wall! Implement the Constitution,” he urged, cautioning against waiting until situations deteriorate before political leaders intervene to avert further crises.
Jubilee Party is divided into two factions—one aligned with the Opposition under Kioni’s leadership and another with Kenya Kwanza led by EALA MP Kanini Kega. These factions have been engaged in a struggle for control of the party.
