Kibaki’s PNU says ‘No’ to Uhuru’s push to disband affiliate parties

Nderitu Muriithi

NAIROBI: Retired President Mwai Kibaki’s Party of National Unity (PNU), will not disband to join Jubilee Party of Kenya (JPK), a senior official has said. A former assistant minister and Kibaki’s nephew, Nderitu Mureithi said although PNU supports President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election, it has no intention of joining the new outfit.

JPK proponents have urged other parties allied to the Jubilee coalition to dissolve to form a united front in readiness of next year’s General Elections.
“Many find it ironical that Meru senator, Kiraitu Murungi, who once fought for multi-party should is now championing for the return of single party politics. It is unacceptable,” Mureithi said.
Mr Kiraitu has been vocal pushing for the dissolution of political parties, including his own APK, especially in Mt Kenya.
Mureithi said insiders were suspicious of Kiraitu’s motives, given his background as a champion of democracy and second liberation hero.
“Statistics also show 70 per cent of sitting elected officials, including MPs, are replaced by voters every election year. Kiraitu knows this too well so he should stop forcing JPK down people’s throats,” Mureithi added.
Splits around the Jubilee project has resulted in intra regional political fragmentation with new conclaves emerging as platforms for debate questioning Jubilee’s agenda in the vote rich region.
Among the conclaves include Aberdare East Political Caucus led by Nairobi lawyer and Kipipiri MP Samuel Gichigi, bringing together politicians from Nyandarua, Laikipia and Nakuru counties, while Mt Kenya East Caucus, led by Embu senator, Mr Lenny Kivuti, features players from Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.