Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has strongly refuted claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta played a role in the formation of a broad-based government, as alleged by Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
The controversy emerged after Raila suggested that Uhuru had encouraged him to engage with President William Ruto to address the ongoing crisis triggered by recent protests, particularly those involving Kenya’s Gen Z generation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kioni dismissed Raila’s assertions as inaccurate, stating that the former president’s position on the matter had been clearly communicated in a letter dated July 25.
“Uhuru did communicate to Kenyans through his letter on July 25 that he was concerned. If you want to know his thinking and position and why you have to be careful about what Raila said and what I hold to be untrue and inaccurate, then you know that what Raila said was a misleading position,” Kioni emphasized.
Kioni further criticized Raila’s decision to support the formation of a broad-based government, arguing that it fails to address the core issues facing Kenyans.
He suggested that the decision to join the government had been made some time ago and was only now coming to light.
“It is not good to drag other people’s names in the mud. Stick to your decision. When you make a decision, do not try to blame others,” Kioni advised.
The Jubilee Secretary General also reaffirmed Azimio’s commitment to performing its oversight duties effectively, despite the recent developments.
He expressed concern that Raila’s shift towards supporting the government might undermine the opposition’s role in holding the administration accountable.
“We have been trying to tell them not to join the government and to stay with Kenyans, but now they have dived deep,” Kioni remarked.
Kioni also noted that with Raila’s increasing involvement in the African Union, there is a growing need for a new leader to take charge of local politics within the Azimio coalition. Raila has consistently maintained that the move to form a broad-based government was a strategic decision to enhance national unity and security, rather than a coalition effort.
In response to these developments, President William Ruto has called on leaders from various political backgrounds to support efforts to unite the country.
He urged those who oppose the broad-based government to prioritize patriotism and the nation’s well-being over personal or political interests.
“This is not the time for us to be disunited, to think about selfish interests or our political formations. This is the time to think about Kenya,” the President stated.
Ruto emphasized that the unity and transformation of Kenya should take precedence over individual political ambitions, urging all leaders to work together for the country’s progress and to overcome the challenges of poverty and disunity.
