Jubilee Party’s rift widens as Ruto, Uhuru allies differ on calls for national dialogue

The split in the Jubilee Party continues to widen after two factions differed on the call to embrace national dialogue as advocated for by President William Ruto. 

In a statement, released Monday, Eldas Member of Parliament (MP) Adan Keynan who claims to be the acting deputy National Chairman and Secretary of the party's Parliamentary Group endorsed the national dialogue initiative aimed at forming a broad-based and all-inclusive government.

Adan, who is among the Jubilee MPs allied to President William Ruto announced the faction's decision to support the dialogue and inclusivity that he claimed was aimed at fostering peace, unity and national cohesion.

“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 stated.

Adan added that the endeavour was paramount in cultivating peace that transcends narrow political interests and defining the welfare and state of the nation as the top priority and a subject of utmost importance.

The legislator further emphasised the need for open and constructive discourse to address the country's multifaced and overarching challenges and the need for collaboration and a united front to achieve sustainable solutions that benefit all citizens.

According to Adan, the party remains resolute as a formidable and integral player committed to fostering harmony, setting a mark in constructing bridges of brotherhood and promoting the country's stability. 

"False"

A few minutes later, the other faction led by Jeremiah Kioni, who is recognised by the courts as the party's Secretary General, flagged Adan's statement as false and misleading.

The faction, allied to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, added "We stated our official position through the SG Kioni. It would be an insult to the People of Kenya for us to engage in 'dialogue' when bodies are still being discovered and peaceful protesters still missing."

Kioni, over the past weeks, has opposed Ruto's call for dialogue and warned that engaging with the President may be perceived as a way of legitimising his presidency.

He added that the nationwide Gen Z-led protests are a clear indication of Kenyan's rejection of Ruto and that no amount of talks will retain him to serve as the president.

The two Jubilee factions allied to Ruto and Uhuru were involved in a protracted leadership wrangle stemming from their political affiliation barely ten months after the August 2022 General Election.

In July 2023, the wrangling party officials were also engaged in court cases that saw the High Court in Nairobi reinstate Kioni as Secretary General and David Murathe as the deputy chairperson. 

Justice Asenath Ongeri suspended a gazette notice issued by the Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu that recognised East Africa Legislative Assembly Member Kanini Kega and Adan as the leaders of the party. 

Protesters are expected to continue protesting on Tuesday, despite Ruto pleading with them to embrace dialogue.

The President also blamed the American non-governmental organisation, the Ford Foundation, for sponsoring the protests.