Political rivals give Uhuru dose of his own medicine as Ruto allies take over Jubilee

East Africa Legislative Assemble MP Kanini Kega addressing a press conference at Jubilee Party offices in Nairobi on Monday, May 21, 2023. [Samson Wire. Standard].

Fast forward, Uhuru has experienced a similar political setback within his Jubilee Party. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has upheld the leadership changes by the faction led by East Africa Legislative Assembly member Kanini Kega, effectively granting control of Jubilee to Ruto's allies.

The changes now strip the former president and Azimio of significant leverage within Parliament where Ms Chege is the Deputy Minority Whip.

The events echo the party intrigues faced by Uhuru in the past. They underscore the dynamic nature of political alliances and the challenges faced in maintaining party cohesion.

The influence of Ruto within Azimio is reminiscent of Uhuru's partnership with Raila Odinga and the move by Kibaki to engineer cracks in Kanu once it entered into a partnership with ODM ahead of the 2007 polls.

However, if history is to repeat itself, this might not be the final blow to the former president's grip on Jubilee. Despite Kanu's takeover in 2006, a defiant Uhuru vowed to retain his seat in Parliament as the Official Opposition Leader. His faction also refused to relinquish party positions.

The defection of Jubilee MPs to Kenya Kwanza further illustrates the shifting political landscape, indicating the strategic moves by Ruto to consolidate his position and erode Uhuru's support base and by extension that of Raila.