NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 16 – The Jeremiah Kioni-led Jubilee Party faction has lauded a decision by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) to suspend the ouster of leaders allied to the Azimio La Umoja Coalition party.
Speaking during a press conference Thursday, Kioni stated that the process was irregular and that the rule of law needs to be observed.
“What is amazing is the police officers had the Audacity of accompanying individuals to the office, they were fully armed and because we believe in peace, the many members in jubilee who were in the compound I told them not to resist,” Kioni stated.
“We did this because the fight for justice is not rested in a building, it is in a spirit it’s in us.”
During the same function, Azimio Leader Raila Odinga claimed that what was happening at the Jubilee party was an attempt by the Kenya Kwanza Administration to return Kenya to a one party state.
“Kenyans should wake up and as a party we remain unbowed and refuse to be intimidated,” he stated.
The PPDT temporarily set aside the resolution of the party’s national executive committee to suspend Kioni and David Murathe as Secretary-General and National Vice-Chairman.
The tribunal’s Chairperson Desma Nungo said the stay order shall remain in place until the 24th of February when the matter shall be heard to confirm compliance and for further directions.
“Pending inter partes hearing and determination of the application, interim conservatory orders are hereby issued staying the Respondent’s decision communicated vide the letter dated 13th February 2023 to the effect that the (Jubilee Party NEC) meeting (held on 10th February 2023) was properly convened per the party constitution and further staying any consequential action by the Respondent towards effecting, adopting or ratifying the resolutions of the subject meeting,” read the Order.
The move comes a day after the Registrar of Political Parties ratified the Jubilee Party National Executive Committee (NEC) changes that kicked out Murathe, Kioni, and National Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi.
The new officials as a result appointed Eldas MP Adan Keynan as the acting Vice Chairperson, EALA MP Kanini Kega as the acting Secretary General, and Kitui Woman Representative Rachael Nyamai as the National Treasurer.
The 32 Jubilee leaders who sanctioned the ouster of the Kioni-led faction met with President William Ruto and pledged their allegiance to his administration.
