- Out of the 29 NEC members of the powerful organ, EALA MP Kanini Kega's camp enjoyed the support of 27.
- The Star has established that only two attended the much-publicised Monday's National Delegates Convention (NDC) convened by Uhuru.
Image: KEITH MUSEKE
An elaborate scheme by President William Ruto's newfound allies in the Jubilee party to work closely with the outfit's national executive council (NEC) was instrumental in their bid to take over the party.
Out of the 29 NEC members of the powerful organ, EALA MP Kanini Kega's camp enjoyed the support of 27.
The Star has established that only two attended the much-publicised Monday's National Delegates Convention (NDC) convened by Uhuru.
This was corroborated by Kega during a press conference moments after he was kicked out alongside 10 others.
“Only two NEC members attended...The resolutions are of no force in law and I wonder where they are going to take the returns," Kega taunted Uhuru.
This meant that the Kega faction clearly negotiated the legal requirements in plotting the ouster of Uhuru men from the once-powerful party.
The consolidation of NEC and ‘poaching’ of Jubilee elected leaders by the Kenya Kwanza camp also left Uhuru badly exposed and without the support of any key party organs.
In ratifying the ouster of Uhuru men, Registrar of political parties Ann Nderitu acted on minutes and resolutions of the February 10 meeting in Nakuru by the Kega team.
It is there that the fate of vice chair David Murathe and Jeremiah Kioni was sealed.
The documents of the meeting were submitted by Deputy party secretary general Joshua Kutuny.
“The Office has taken note of the contents of your submissions and the resolutions and acknowledges that the Party Constitution was in order in convening the meeting,” Nderitu said in a letter dated May 19.
She said following a review of the submitted documents, in line with PPA and party constitution her office was satisfied that the party adhered to the due process.
"Accordingly, pursuant to section 34(da), of the PPA, the office has updated its records and the register of party members,” it adds.
The move technically handed over the former ruling party to allies of Ruto.
That however became shortlived after the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal barred a directive by the Registrar of Political Parties from approving the expulsion of Kioni from the Jubilee party.
In a motion filed under a certificate of urgency, the tribunal has issued conservatory orders stopping any changes.
"That pending the hearing and determination of the Application inter partes, interim conservatory orders are hereby issued staying the decision delivered by the 1st Respondent's National Disciplinary Committee on 10th May 2023 to expel the Complainant from membership of the 1st Respondent," the motion reads.
"That Pending the hearing and determination of the Application inter partes, interim conservatory orders are hereby issued prohibiting the 2nd respondent from acting on any communication from the first Respondent and interested parties purporting to expel the complainant from the membership of the 1st respondent."
The ruling means Kioni will continues to act as Jubilee SG until the tribunal rules on the matter.
According to the PPDT chairperson, Desma Nungo, the matter has been set for mention on May 31.