Kioni Claims To Possess Ruling Challenging Expulsion From Jubilee

Ousted Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni on Tuesday, July 11 claimed to possess a judgement that was set to be delivered on the same day, in response to a case he filed challenging his ouster from the Jubilee Party.

He made the claims while addressing the media at the Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka (SKM) Centre in Karen, during the launch of Tumechoka Initiative, an anti-government platform unveiled by the Azimio La Umoja to collect signatures to denounce President William Ruto's administration.

Kioni had claimed that the Kanini Kega-controlled Jubilee faction was taking the Judiciary hostage despite denial from the latter, claiming to be in possession of the document that was set to be read in response to the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal ratifying Kioni's ouster.

Jeremiah Kioni (in red hat) with Raila Odinga, Martha Karua and Mwangi wa Iria at Kamukunji Grounds on June 27, 2023. /FACEBOOK

“We have the letter from the tribunal, which will be delivered today at the High Court, complaining about the availability of judgement, especially those by the majority because the minority judgements are not delivered ahead of time,” he lamented in remarks which could draw the wrath of government allies as well as the attention of investigative agencies.

The former Ndaragwa lawmaker also highlighted flaws of the ruling which he termed as bias, alleging that Kega's team had furnished Kioni with the judgement via social media, despite copies of the judgement availed to newsrooms after the ruling was made.

“The judgement that was delivered had already been delivered to us by Kanini Kega’s team through their tweets over the weekend. It is clear within the system they are the ones in charge of the process,” Kioni alleged.

Kioni further expressed his intention to move to the High Court to appeal the Tribunal decision that upheld his removal from office, claiming that the ruling was illegal.

In a reassuring statement addressed to his supporters, the former secretary-general emphasised that he was firmly in control of the party structures despite the setback, even though he played coy with the sentiments which might be projected as contempt by Kega and his allies.

On Monday, July 10, the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal upheld the decision by the Jubilee National Executive Committee (NEC) to ouster Kioni as well as former vice chairperson David Murathe.

As a result, Kega’s nomination as the new Secretary General was upheld.

"The suit against the 2nd Respondent is hereby struck out. The Appeal is dismissed in its entirety.

EALA MP Kanini Kega (right) and nominated MP Sabina Chege (left) at Jubilee Headquarters on July 10, 2023. /KANINI KEGA