Jubilee wrangles: Kanini Kega's faction notifies of intention to withdraw from Azimio

Jubilee Party Secretary General Kanini Kega. [Denis Kibuchi,Standard]

Jubilee Party faction led by Acting Secretary-General Kanini Kega has issued a notice of withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja Coalition.

Kega, on Tuesday, June 13, notifying of the intention to withdraw from the coalition said the decision follows a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on June 6, 2023.
"Take notice the NEC of Jubilee Party meeting of June 6 resolved to withdraw from the Deed of Agreement for Azimio La Umoja - One Kenya Coalition," said Kega.
"Further take notice, that pursuant to Article 33. 1.1 and 2 of the Party Constitution as read together with Article 22.1 of the Deed of Agreement for Azimio la Umoja dated March 12, 2022, Jubilee Party hereby gives the notice to withdraw from the Deed of Agreement for Azimio La Umoja."

According to Article 22 of the Azimio Deed of Agreement, member parties are allowed to withdraw from the Coalition Agreement by providing a 90-day notice to the Coalition council expressing their intention to exit.

Kega's statement comes in the back of internal conflicts within the party, with the faction led by Jeremiah Kioni battling for control.
With the escalating wrangles, Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu has distanced herself from the leadership contest, emphasising that her actions strictly adhere to the law.

Nderitu has defended her decision to uphold the resolutions of the National Executive Council (NEC), which were forwarded by the faction led by EALA MP Kega.

The Kega-led faction removed Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and Vice Chair David Murathe from their respective positions within the party.

"Our role is solely to verify whether due process and the party's constitution have been followed; the decision lies with the party itself," stated Nderitu.

The ruling issued by the Registrar on Friday, May 19, and delivered to Jubilee on May 22, has become a contentious issue, with the Kioni faction alleging that the Registrar is being manipulated by the ruling coalition.

The matter is currently under consideration at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal in the High Court.