Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto to launch Jubilee Party in September

President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that Jubilee Party will be unveiled on September 9, 2016, with him being the party leader and William Ruto the deputy party leader. (Photo: File/Standard)

Nairobi: Jubilee Alliance Party affiliate parties are now gearing for the grand merger to form Jubilee Party which will be President Uhuru Kenyatta’s vehicle in 2017 General Election.

During a televised address to the nation, Uhuru announced that the JAP constituent parties will dissolve on September 8 during a simultaneous National Delegates Conference.

The parties will thereafter, on September 9 and 10 converge for the Jubilee National Convention during which the Jubilee Party will be launched.

Individual party nominations will be overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, a move the President said is meant to entrench internal party democracy.

“I want to make it clear that neither I nor my deputy have preferred candidates for party positions. We will work with leaders the people will choose,” said Uhuru.

The ceremony to announce the merger was attended by leaders representing 12 JAP affiliate parties.

Even as the Jubilee Party is officially unveiled, there are fears of possible fallout emanating from the primaries.

With barely a year before the 2017 General Election, all eyes are on the party to see how it will move to appease leaders interested in various positions without occasioning fallout.