Kioni: Uhuru played no role in Ruto-Raila broad-based government

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has denied claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta played a role in establishing the broad-based government.

This follows a statement by Azimio leader Raila Odinga that former President Uhuru encouraged discussions with President William Ruto to address issues stemming from protests by Gen Z.

Raila, in his remarks on Tuesday, claimed that Uhuru had advised him to engage with President Ruto to resolve the unrest caused by the anti-government demonstrations.

However, Kioni while speaking on Wednesday, contested the accuracy of Raila's statement regarding Uhuru's involvement.

He referred to Uhuru's communication from July 25, where the former president expressed his concerns to the Kenyan public. Kioni stated that Raila's comments did not align with the content of that communication.

"Uhuru did communicate to Kenyans through his letter on July 25 that he was concerned. If you want to know his thinking and position and why you have to be careful about what Raila said and what I hold to be untrue and is not accurate, then you know that what Raila said was a misleading position," he said.

Kioni suggested that Raila's pursuit of a broad-based government was a decision that may not effectively address the key challenges facing the country. He argued that while discussions with the government had been initiated earlier, their implementation was only taking shape now.

"It is not good to drag other people's names in the mud, stick to your decision. When you make a decision do not try to blame others," he noted.

Kioni also emphasised that the Azimio coalition remains committed to its role in providing oversight. He said the coalition had advised its members to avoid joining the government, urging them to remain connected to the public and their needs. However, he acknowledged that the coalition had now become more involved with the government.

The former Ndaragwa MP highlighted the need for a new leader to emerge within local politics, particularly as Raila is pursuing responsibilities within the African Union.

Raila has consistently maintained that the goal of the ongoing discussions was to form a broad-based government rather than a coalition. He shared that he had recently spoken with President Ruto and agreed to meet to discuss the country's security situation.