Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has vehemently rejected assertions made by Azimio leader Raila Odinga that former President Uhuru Kenyatta played a role in the formation of the new broad-based government.
This response comes amid escalating tensions in the country following mass protests organized by the Gen Z movement, which have drawn attention to various socio-political issues.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Kioni addressed Odinga’s claims, which suggested that Uhuru had urged him to engage President William Ruto in discussions to address the crisis precipitated by the protests.
Odinga characterized the situation as dire, asserting that the nation was on the verge of collapse. However, Kioni countered, claiming that Odinga’s assertion regarding Uhuru’s involvement was both misleading and inaccurate.
“Uhuru did communicate to Kenyans through his letter on July 25 that he was concerned. If you want to know his position, you must be cautious about what Raila has said,” Kioni stated.
Kioni criticized Odinga’s decision to form a broad-based government, arguing that it fails to address the pressing concerns of ordinary Kenyans.
He pointed out that the decision to collaborate with the government was made some time ago but is only now coming to fruition, suggesting that strategic political maneuvering is at play.
“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 remarked.
While Kioni acknowledges the need for oversight in governance, he expressed dismay at Azimio’s recent maneuvers, stating, “We have been advising them not to join the government. They have now dived deep into a situation that does not serve the interests of Kenyans.”
With Raila Odinga’s recent appointment to the African Union, Kioni implied that a shift is needed in local politics, hinting at the possibilities of new leadership dynamics.
Raila Odinga has consistently defended the creation of a broad-based government, stating that discussions with Ruto were necessary. “Uhuru said if the country went down, then we have no other country,” Raila asserted, framing the dialogue as essential to national security and unity.
President William Ruto, for his part, has called upon leaders from various political affiliations to support the initiative. He urged them to put aside personal and political interests in favor of national unity and progress.
“This is not the time for division. We must think about Kenya and work together towards transformation and prosperity,” Ruto emphasized.
