Master of controversy, Kuria now lays ground for walkout from Jubilee

The woes rocking the Jubilee Party could be far from over if a recent move by maverick Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria (pictured) is anything to go by.

The outspoken MP has sent the clearest signs yet that a massive walkout from the party could be in the offing.

On Friday and out of nowhere, Mr Kuria, a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, formed a WhatsApp group dubbed Democratic Party of Kenya (DP).

The group comprises political leaders, opinion shapers and journalists from the Mt Kenya region. Other members of the group are MPs, MCAs, political operatives and mobilisers from Central Kenya.

Jubilee wrangles

Welcoming members into the group, Kuria said DP was the party for the Kikuyu community, signaling a possible mass walkout from Jubilee Party headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“We are leaving Jubilee Party to Kamanda. If you are not here, then there is nothing for you,” he posted in the WhatsApp group. He was referring to Nominated MP Maina Kamanda.

Yesterday, Kamanda laughed off Kuria’s move saying: “That’s not a story worth telling.”

DP was formed on December 25, 1991 by former President Mwai Kibaki and the late John Keen after section 2A of the Constitution was repealed to allow multiparty politics.

Kibaki used it to vie for the presidency in the 1992 General Election and later in 1997. He lost on both occasions to the then incumbent Daniel Moi. He then moved on to NARC and won the 2002 presidential election.

Jubilee Party has in the recent past been facing turbulent times following remarks by former party vice-chairman David Murathe that he would block Deputy President William Ruto from succeeding Uhuru in 2022.

By Saturday morning, Kuria had mobilised over 250 people into the WhatsApp group, a move that was welcomed by DP National chairman Esau Kioni.

“It is a good gesture for the party to receive such a support in its backyard after leaders realise its importance,” said Mr Kioni.

Some political leaders from Mt Kenya region have, however, rubbished the move by Kuria to revive DP terming it as ill advised.

Murang’a Senator Irungu Kang’ata said Kuria is defying the President’s advice not to embark on early 2022 campaigns.

Kanga’ta said the initiative was bound to fail due to lack of support since majority of leaders and residents in the region are still supporters of the President.

Mathioya MP Peter Kimari described Kuria as a trouble shooter out to look for publicity.

“If there are issues, they can be resolved internally and not by creating conflict,” he said.