Furore witnessed in Jubilee branch elections akin to 2007 PNU debacle

Mathira parliamentary aspirant Cathy Irungu (left) speaks outside the Nyeri Central Police Station after recording a statement on Saturday. Ms Wanjiku claims she was attacked and sexually harassed. [PHOTO: KIBATA KIHU/STANDARD]

The Jubilee Party interim branch elections that ended last week have sparked an uproar that threatens the ruling party’s ability to maintain its mass party ideal in the key Mt Kenya stronghold.

It was the predicament that faced the Party of National Unity (PNU) in 2007, when it was launched as retired President Mwai Kibaki’s re-election vehicle spearheaded by incumbent MPs who went out of their way to block strong rivals from getting the party ticket.