It is a big win for embattled Jubilee Party officials Jeremiah Kioni and David Murathe after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) quashed the resolution of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to suspend them as Secretary-General and National Vice-Chairman respectively.
The tribunal, led by its Chairperson Desma Nungo, dismissed a letter from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) dated February 13, 2023, that recognised the Jubilee Party NEC meeting held on February 10, 2023, in a hotel in Rift Valley region that kicked out Murathe, Kioni, and National Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi.
While dismissing the planned ouster of Murathe, Kioni, and Gichohi, the tribunal termed the decision of the ORPP that recognised the faction led by EALA MP Kanini Kega as illegal.
The tribunal further ordered that all other disputes raised at the party be handled through the Internal Dispute Resolution mechanisms.
Immediately after the judgement of the tribunal, the rebel group led by Kanini Kega as officials issued a statement claiming that the party's National Management Committee (NMC) held a meeting on Wednesday, April 19 and resolved to proceed to implement the resolution of NEC to ouster Murathe, Kioni and Gichohi.
"The PPDT has this afternoon delivered its judgement in appeal No. E001of 2023 which was filed following the meeting of our NEC on February 10, 2023.
"As you are aware, the tribunal had issued conservatory orders pending the hearing and determination of the appeal which has now effectively been vacated by the judgement of the tribunal," Kanini, who claims to be the SG of the party, stated in the statement.
Jubilee wrangles
The officials, who have been confirmed by the court, are allied to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Azimio coalition while the rebel officials are allied to President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
He says that the meeting held on Wednesday afternoon resolved that Kioni, Murathe and Gichohi be suspended forthwith and their cases referred to the Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanisms for further determination.
"The Internal Dispute Resolution Committee and the National Disciplinary Committee will be convened immediately to commence the hearing of the matters referred to them, " the statement by the Kanini faction stated.
Further, the faction revealed that the new officials to hold office are Kanini Kega (Secretary General), Rachel Nyamai (National Treasury) and Aden Keynan (National Vice-Chairperson).
The committee further resolved to have Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan Guyo co-opted as a NEC member, Wajeff Wilson Mwangi as the National Chairperson of the National MCAs caucus pending the convening of the National MCA caucus while Mumina Bonaya will be the National Chairperson of the Women's League.
