DP Gachagua did not sponsor Limuru III, says Kioni

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has clarified that no individual sponsored the recent Limuru 3 meeting.

During an appearance on KTN News on Wednesday night, Kioni addressed speculations regarding the recent gathering of Mount Kenya leaders, who voiced concerns about the region.

Kioni said that most leaders used their own resources to attend the meeting, dispelling rumors that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua financed the event.

"He [Gachagua] did not sponsor the event. He may have wanted to, but he did not. Limuru 3 was self-sponsored, unlike in the past," he claimed.

The Jubilee Sec-Gen further noted the significant turnout, highlighting that attendees were eager to express their dissatisfaction.

"People used their own resources, they came in numbers, and they wanted to speak out. They said it: we have left UDA for various reasons," he added.

He also argued that the dominance of President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was waning in the Mount Kenya region. "There is a lot of movement in UDA lately because Mt Kenya leaders cannot go back home and speak about UDA. I want to tell you here, and I saw it at Limuru 3; UDA is completely over in the Mount Kenya region. Whether they hold grassroots elections or not, it is over," Kioni stated.

The former Ndaragwa MP further mentioned that several potential sponsors withdrew their support at the last minute, fearing government retaliation if their involvement was discovered.

Kioni's comments come amidst rising tensions within the ruling party.

On Wednesday, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala issued a communique warning MPs and Cabinet Secretaries about indiscipline.

Among those targeted were Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wa Muchomba. Wa Muchomba has frequently criticised the government for imposing punitive taxes.

The notice also cautioned Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Moses Kuria about their conduct.

Malala warned that disciplinary action would be taken against the five if they continued to disrespect the party and the presidency.