JAP leaders reject coordinator from 'outside'

Leaders have rejected a move by the Jubilee Alliance Party (Jap) national office to have a coordinator from Nairobi run the party’s affairs in the county.

Speaking in Nakuru town during the endorsement of party chairman James Karimi and his deputy Joseph Bett, Jap members said a coordinator from Nairobi will not run the affairs of the party in the right way since he would not be conversant with issues on the ground.

“We will not allow the national office to force a coordinator on us. We ask the party leadership to reconsider its decision and choose from amongst us a suitable person to run party affairs in Nakuru County,” said Mr Bett.

Mr Karimi said the new party will be a formidable force in the next general election and promised to engage affiliates parties to popularise the new outfit.

“We will continue to consult with all affiliate parties as we develop a roadmap for the ultimate merger,” said Karimi.

Party recruitment

The leaders who hail from the 11 sub-counties promised to steer away from controversy in the new party. Karimi said that they were ready to recruit members from the grassroots so that the party can remain vibrant and strong.

“We know President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto will use the party to reclaim their positions in the 2017 presidential election. We don’t want to let them down,” said Karimi.