Confusion as Jubilee faction backs call for national dialogue

Kioni has vehemently opposed the dialogue calls.

In Summary
  • The Jubilee party SG  Jeremiah Kioni has stridently opposed any talks with the Ruto government, a decision he claims has the blessings of former President Uhuru Kenyatta who is still the party leader.
  • Acting National Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the party's parliamentary group Adan Keynan has, however, in a statement welcomed the rapprochement between the ruling party and the opposition.
Adan Keynan Wehliye, EALA MP Kanini Kega and Nominated MP Sabina Chege at Bomas for the National Dialogue Committee talks on September 27, 2023.
Adan Keynan Wehliye, EALA MP Kanini Kega and Nominated MP Sabina Chege at Bomas for the National Dialogue Committee talks on September 27, 2023.
Image: FILE

Confusion has emerged in the former ruling Jubilee Party after a section of its members backed calls by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga to hold talks to address the crisis the nation is facing.

The Jubilee party SG  Jeremiah Kioni has stridently opposed any talks with the Ruto government, a decision he claims has the blessings of former President Uhuru Kenyatta who is still the party leader.

Acting National Deputy Chairman and Secretary of the party's parliamentary group Adan Keynan has, however, in a statement welcomed the rapprochement between the ruling party and the opposition.

Keynan said they support the formation of an all-inclusive government as suggested by President Ruto.

"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 said.

"This endeavour is paramount in cultivating peace, unity and national cohesion that transcend narrow political interests and defining the welfare and state of our nation as the top priority and a subject of utmost importance." 

The Eldas MP insisted that his party remains resolute and an integral player committed to fostering harmony and promoting the stability of the country.

He said the party acknowledges the importance of collaboration to achieve key national goals.

This comes even as Secretary-General Kioni continues to oppose the calls to have talks.

He is also among Azimio leaders who have piled pressure on Raila to rescind any decision to engage Ruto.

Soon after President William Ruto and Raila announced the six-day talks which begin on Monday (today), he was among the first people to say no to the talks.

He lamented that past dialogue reports are gathering dust on government shelves.

“The Waki report, the Ndungu report, TJRC report, BBI report, the Nadco report, all this were done under dialogues how many more?"  he posed.

“The writing is on the wall! Implement the Constitution."

He said that once things get out of hand, the same political leaders are forced to intervene to ultimately save the state from any further political crisis.

The Jubilee party has two factions, one allied to the Opposition and the other to Kenya Kwanza.

One allied to the Opposition is led by Kioni, while the other is led by EALA MP Kanini Kega.

The two sides have been wrestling over control of the party.

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