Ruto fires back as battle to control Jubilee Party intensifies

Deputy President William Ruto has dismissed a controversial move to change Jubilee’s top decision making organ terming it ‘fraudulent’ and ‘illegal’ as cracks in the ruling party deepened.

In a letter to the Acting Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu, DP Ruto, who appears to have been caught flatfooted by his opponents; said that the move to change the membership of National Management Committee (NMC) contravened the party’s constitution and therefore, null and void.

“Please note that the National Executive Council (NEC) has never been reconstituted by the party neither have we ever constituted NEC to constitute or reconstitute the NMC.

“In light of the foregoing the intended changes of NMC membership is therefore illegal and fraudulent,” DP Ruto.

In a Gazette notice posted on Thursday, Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu published the party’s intention to make the changes and invited members of the public to present their submissions, if any, regarding the replacements.

“In exercise of the power conferred by Section 20 (1) (c) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that Jubilee Party intends to change its leadership,” the notice read.

“Any person with written submission concerning the intended change by the political party shall, within seven days from the date herein, deposit them at the registrar of political parties.”

According to the Gazette Notice, the party appointed Lucy Macharia, Prof Marete Marangu, Walter Nyambati, Jane Nampaso and James Waweru as new office bearers replacing Veronica Maina, Fatuma Shukri and Pamela Mutua who resigned after securing jobs in government.

Earlier, in a tweet, DP Ruto assured Jubilee members and supporters that the matter was being handled at the highest level.

“As Kenyans are focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, some shadowy characters are attempting to fraudulently institute illegal changes in officials of Jubilee party. As deputy leader I have alerted the registrar of the fraud. Party members should know that the matter is being handled.” He tweeted before several MPs and senators allied to him joined the fray.

“Today I have performed my patriotic duty as Jubilee Member and a member of Jubilee’s National Executive Committee, National Governing Council and National Delegates Conference to avert fraudulent changes on the party’s national management committee (NMC). I have written a letter to the registrar and will soon report this matter to DCI,” said Murkomen, who is also the Majority Leader in the Senate.

“Any changes involving the party in any way must be sanctioned by the relevant party organs through a formal meeting convened and resolutions passed,” a letter signed by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria read in part.

“The purported changes to the membership of the National Management Committee or any other organ of the party is illegal, fraudulent and affront to the values of the party.” He said.

Others who have written letters include Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Soy MP Caleb Kositany, Langata MP Nixon Korir and Dagoretti MP John Kiarie.

Others are: Mbeere North MP Muriuki Njagagua, North Mugirango MP Joash Nyamache, Mandera Senator Mohamed Mahamud and Majority Leader Aden Duale.