Top Jubilee leaders intensify supremacy battles

From left is Meru Governor Peter Munya, Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri and Meru Senator Kiraitu at AIPCA St. Mathews church, Miathene in Imenti Central, on October 2,2016. Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi and two MPs on Sunday clashed with Governor Peter Munya's allies over Jubilee development projects for Meru Central Sub County. [Photo:Peter Muthomi/Standard]

Three top leaders yesterday emotionally defended their right to hold a meeting of Jubilee aspirants that was boycotted by opponents.

Senator Kiraitu Murungi, Woman Representative Florence Kajuju and Igembe South legislator Mithika Linturi, who have a political union named 'Kikali' (Kiraitu, Kajuju and Linturi), said they had all rights to convene a meeting of 'like-minded' party well-wishers.

"Even when the JP structures are laid out through interim appointments by President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto, the mandate of organising party affairs will fall squarely with local leaders," Mr Linturi said at Thiiri convention centre on the fridges of Meru town.

The Meru leaders claimed they only recognise the President and his deputy as officials of the party and no other leader had a right to order them to stop holding such meetings.

"Those who claim that they cannot attend this meeting are party outsiders who want to rock the boat, unlike us who have the welfare of the party at heart," said Mr Murungi.

Mr Murungi is eyeing the governor's seat in next year's polls and Mr Linturi the senatorial ticket. Ms Kajuju has declared interest to defend her seat.

Their rivals, Dr Kilemi Mwiria and Mwenda Mbijjiwe, were among those who boycotted yesterday's meeting.

Yesterday, Mr Linturi said the fact that they called the meeting did not mean that some aspirants were senior or junior to others.

They were supported by the Mt Kenya Youth Caucus which said Mr Kiraitu should be accorded due respect for the role he played in the Jubilee merger process.

Caucus chairman Linford Mutembei also urged the President and his deputy to hasten the naming of new officials to steer the party to avoid unnecessary friction.

Meanwhile, Governor Peter Munya and Devolution Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri yesterday clashed over support for President Kenyatta and dissolution of parties.

The Governor, Mr Kiunjuri, Mr Murungi, Mr Linturi,  Imenti Central MP Mwiti Irea were at a church fundraiser.

Senator Kiraitu and his team left for the Jubilee Party meeting leaving Munya and Kiunjuri at the function where they exchanged harsh words on party dissolution.

Mr Munya said he was in the Party of National Unity and would not be forced to join JP, adding that he fully supports President Kenyatta's re-election but he will be on the ballot for the presidency in the 2022 General Election.

Addressing Kiunjuri, he said: "You cannot be my teacher in Meru.You can take your GNU to Jubilee."

Appearing angry, Mr Kiunjuri  asked Munya, who was about to board a chopper for Nairobi, to wait for his speech.

"I have listened to you said so you should also stay and listen," Kiunjuri told Munya, who stayed for less than five minutes and excused himself.

"Akiendelea hivi tutanyorosha yeye (If he continues this way, we will discipline him)," Mr Kiunjuri said.