A faction of the Jubilee Party has officially endorsed the national dialogue initiative aimed at forming a broad-based and all-inclusive government, marking a significant shift from the opposition faction Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance’s stance.
In a statement released on Monday, July 15, 2024, Eldas MP Adan Keynan, who serves as the faction’s acting deputy National Chairman and Secretary of the Parliamentary Group, emphasized the importance of dialogue and inclusivity in fostering peace, unity, and national cohesion.
“On behalf of the Jubilee Party fraternity and the entire membership, we unequivocally and firmly endorse the national dialogue initiative and the subsequent formation of a broad-based and all-inclusive Government,” Keynan stated.
“This endeavour is paramount in cultivating peace, unity, and national cohesion that transcend narrow political interests and defining the welfare and state of our nation as the top priority and a subject of utmost importance.”
Keynan underscored the need for open and constructive discourse to address the country’s multifaceted challenges, advocating for collaboration and a united front to achieve sustainable solutions that benefit all citizens.
“The Jubilee Party remains resolute as a formidable and integral player committed to fostering harmony, setting a mark in constructing bridges of brotherhood, and promoting the stability of our motherland,” he added.
N/B. Jubilee Party has two factions – one is being led by nominated MP Sabina Chege which is pro-government and the other is led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta which is still in Azimio.
Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee Party Secretary General who is in the faction led by Uhuru, speaking during a radio interview on Monday unequivocally stated the faction’s opposition to the dialogue called for by Ruto.
Uncertainty about talks
The dialogue initiative, announced by Raila Odinga and President William Ruto on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, is set to begin today, July 15, and run for six days until July 20.
The talks are expected to involve 150 multi-sectoral stakeholders, including youth representatives.
However, the talks’ commencement remains uncertain as Raila recently announced his withdrawal from the dialogue following pressure from Kenyans and his Azimio co-principals.
Over the weekend, Raila clarified during a burial event in Butere, Kakamega County, that the conversation he was advocating for was a people’s dialogue, not one initiated by President Ruto.
There is also ambiguity surrounding the venue and participants of today’s planned dialogue, further complicated by the opposition’s split and stakeholders’ uncertainty.
While visiting the Kware area in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, where mutilated bodies have been discovered, Raila opposed the calls for dialogue.
Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka, who accompanied Raila, stated that the opposition would not engage in any dialogue with those they accuse of having blood on their hands.
As the situation evolves, the political landscape in Kenya remains tense, with the potential for dialogue and its outcomes still in question.
