In a recent proclamation, Raila Odinga, leader of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya, raised serious allegations against President William Ruto. Odinga accused Ruto of surreptitiously instigating the Jubilee Party faction, headed by East Africa Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega, to undermine the resuscitated bipartisan talks.
The Jubilee faction, which publicly supports the President, has demanded a halt to discussions until their party is represented in the bipartisan committee. This insistence follows the withdrawal of Eldas MP Adan Keynan, which Odinga claims is orchestrated by “the highest levels of the Kenya Kwanza regime.”
Odinga did not mince words, characterizing the Jubilee faction’s demand as a “state-sponsored assault on multipartism.” This, he maintained, indicates an ongoing pattern of dishonesty and contempt for dialogue by Kenya Kwanza.
“Through its proxies, Kenya Kwanza appears set on disrupting these critical talks, potentially engaging in limitless litigation. Such tactics could have severe consequences,” Odinga warned.
Kenya Kwanza has also introduced contentious issues they want addressed by the committee, further threatening the talks. These issues include electoral reforms for post-election peace and national stability, and a legal framework to deal with demonstration organizers under Article 37 of the constitution.
Odinga cautioned President Ruto that Azimio would seek other avenues if Kenya Kwanza’s disdain continues. He emphasized that their decision to halt anti-government protests was not a sign of weakness, but a commitment to national peace and stability.
Kenya Kwanza “needs to recognize the potential ramifications of undermining such a crucial national agenda through short-sighted obstinacy and dishonesty,” Odinga said.
On Wednesday, Otiende Amollo, the bipartisan committee’s co-chair, acknowledged receiving a letter from Kega’s faction protesting Keynan’s removal from the panel. However, he advised them to take their concerns to Azimio, where Jubilee is a member party.
Meanwhile, Jubilee leaders aligned with former President Uhuru Kenyatta called out President Ruto for allegedly using party dissidents to retaliate after his expulsion from the former ruling party.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni accused government insiders of inciting intra-party conflict but affirmed their long-term commitment to Azimio. The party’s leadership awaits the National Delegates Conference’s decision on May 22 and 23 at the Bomas of Kenya.
Kioni encouraged their opponents to present their agenda at the upcoming conference. He also stated that Kenyatta would remain the party leader unless removed during the conference.
David Murathe, Jubilee Vice-Chairperson, said, “The real conflict in Jubilee is not between Kioni and Kega. There is an individual seeking revenge for his expulsion from Jubilee. They should know we are committed to Azimio and its programs.”