The unresolved Uhuru succession puzzle within the ruling party coupled with a re-think over the “youthful” President’s political future and punctuated by his symbolic handshake with opposition leader Raila Odinga are among the key factors that have caused unease within Jubilee.
The emerging rifts notwithstanding, National Assembly’s Majority Leader Aden Duale maintains all is well within the ruling party: “Jubilee is united more than any other time. However, being a national democratic party that allows its members — both rank and file — to exercise their freedom of expression, most Kenyans who are not used to this kind of liberty may be forgiven for thinking we have a problem in the party.”
Political pundit believes that the infighting may not end soon as the realignment for succession is a notch higher with politicians forming political parties.
Jubilee Party is set to hold its Parliamentary Group, the first formal gathering after the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga on March 9.
The party meets in the face of many issues such as the renewed war on corruption and a declaration by President Kenyatta that all public officers must undertake a lifestyle audit.
Some of the MPs allied to Deputy President William Ruto have openly questioned the war on corruption and the demand for a lifestyle audit, saying it is not anchored in any legal framework, and that it is a scheme to target the DP as a way of ensuring he does not succeed President Kenyatta.
The deputy president allied MPs have accused the section of politicians from Mount Kenya of working with the opposition to frustrate his 2022 bid.
The leaders dared those against President Uhuru Kenyatta’s war on graft and the handshake to walk out of the party rather than keep stoking incessant wrangles.MPs Maina Kamanda (nominated), William Kamket (Tiaty), Joshua Kutuny (Cherengany), Maoka Maore (Igembe South), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Gathoni Wamucomba (Kiambu Woman Rep), Ruth Wangari (Kigumo), Simba Arati (Dagoreti North), Millie Odhiambo (Suba South), TJ Kajwang (Ruaraka), Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri) and Mercy Gakuya (Kasarani).
“Ruto should stop saying Raila is responsible for the rift in Jubilee because he himself is responsible for causing division within the party. He is trying to incite and turn some members of Jubilee against President Uhuru Kenyatta and then blame it on Raila Odinga, but he will not succeed,” said Mr. Kamanda.
A section of legislators allied to Deputy President William Ruto has accused ODM leader Raila Odinga of instigating a plan to impeach him.
Led by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, the legislators dared Mr. Odinga and his allies to present a motion of impeachment further eluding confidence that it would not see the light of day.
Deputy President William Ruto says Kenyans are not ready for constitutional reforms that favor politicians to get power and positions in government.
In a veiled response to Opposition Leader Raila Odinga who asked Kenyans to prepare for a major political transformation in the next few months on the impending referendum, once the building bridges initiative team, hands its report to President Uhuru Kenyatta and himself.
In-tray: Debt crisis, succession politics heating up, legacy, handshake.
Meanwhile: pic.twitter.com/zH91wkXvtj
— Übermensch (@Trackmann) May 4, 2019
The deputy president said any constitutional changes should be beneficial to Kenyans and not the political class.
OSCAR SUDI speaks for Ruto. He is a messenger. DP Rutos mouthpiece on the SUBJECT succession politics which is purely the INTEREST of DP Ruto. Kenyans have every reason to stop Ruto and the impending Risk that comes with him.
— brown meiseyieki (@brownmeiseyieki) April 1, 2019
"Laikipia Women Representative Catherine Waruguru and Kimilili legislator Dismus Barasa have said their lives are in danger for supporting deputy president William Ruto on 2022 succession politics"
Which support does ruto enjoy in mt. Kenya region? Stop daydreaming
— #ElvisNeverGetsMad (@IamElvisMvoi) February 15, 2019
Kihika: It’s Wambugu Ngunjiri who started talking 2022 politics; he started with the debt issue, going around saying “hatuna deni”. He then switched tactics to “kitaeleweka”. It’s the ‘Murathes’ & ‘Ngunjiris’ who want to keep taking us back to 2022 succession politics #NewsNight pic.twitter.com/VMCtEdQQb8
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) January 8, 2019
Macharia Gaitho: I wouldn't say that the media is focussing too much on succession politics; I'd say that the politicians are focussing on it. Let us remember that development is politics. #PressPass pic.twitter.com/mbWq6Z3ibH
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) January 7, 2019
Media and Newsrooms should ban discussion about 2022 succession politics… 2019 🤔 is too early for all these dramas .Right now we should focus on developing our country… Strengthing our economy and providing employment to our youths to curb crimes.
— Wanyama A. S 🇰🇪🇺🇬🇱🇷 (@AS_Wanyama) January 10, 2019
As talks of 2022 succession politics intensify, do you think it is the right time for Kenya to have a female president? Catch the season's premiere of #MsPresident this Wednesday as we look into how our country will be with a female president.
EXCLUSIVELY on KTN Home. Do not miss pic.twitter.com/tpvKRvDfQa— ktn (@KTNKenya) January 28, 2019