Jubilee takes the consensus route, says Uhuru will champion talks

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party has resolved not to subject aspirants to universal suffrage.

Instead, Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has informed the Independent and Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that they will issue direct tickets in areas where there is only one aspirant.

In regions where there are more aspirants eyeing the Jubilee ticket, Mr Kioni told IEBC they would use consensus and other methods as provided by the party regulations.

On April 4, the Secretary-General wrote to IEBC saying: “Jubilee Party submits herewith form 11 A (membership list) duly certified by Registrar of Political Parties printed form together electronic version - Microsoft excel. The party will not conduct primaries as contemplated under the regulation 13B of Elections (General) regulations 2012.”

“Jubilee Party will issue direct nomination certificates to unopposed aspirants and in positions where there are more than one aspirant the party will select candidates through consensus and any other appropriate means in accordance with party nomination rules,” read the letter.

Jubilee Party Director of Elections Kanini Kega told The Standard that talks with aspirants to reach consensus are being spearheaded by the party leader, President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Kieni MP further said Jubilee will declare its contenders for various elective positions in a week’s time after consultations.

“The President is leading the exercise and we want a situation where there will not be a loser. All those who have expressed interest will also have something to take home after elections,” he said.

Speaking after attending the burial of Sussana Njoki Kianiaru, grandmother to radio presenter Njoki Mburu, Mr Kega exuded confidence that the ruling party will triumph over Deputy President William Ruto’s UDA in the August 9 General Election. The party is facing a big test in regions where President Kenyatta’s allies are battling for same seats. In these areas, the party wants to manage the process carefully to avoid acrimony.

Tough decision

In Nyandarua, the party is facing a dilemma in deciding who gets the governor certificate. Former Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariku is facing off with incumbent Francis Kimemia.

In Ol Kalau constituency, incumbent David Kiaraho is facing stiff competition from George Wambugu.

Nominated MCA Wanjiku Muhoho and activist Sasha Wamae who are contesting for Woman Rep are the eyeing Jubilee ticket.

The Nyandarua County senatorial seat has attracted JM Waiganjo and Dr Simon Kanyingi. The Kirinyaga Senate race has attracted former Senator Daniel Karaba and businessman Antony Karimi.

Justus Munene and Njogu Barua are eyeing the Jubilee ticket for the Gichugu parliamentary race.

The party officials are also keen to reach consensus between Deputy Governor Peter Ndambiri and Senator Charles Kibiru who are vying for Kirinyaga governor.

In Murang’a, Mathioya MP Peter Kimari is facing a strong opposition from Johnson Kihato while Kangema’s Muturi Kigano is being challenged by George Kibuku.

In Maragua, Antony Chege who emerged second in 2017 is facing competition from William Ngoru while in Gatanga, the incumbent Nduati Ngugi will battle it out with Antony Kimani Mumbi.

Governance expert Peter Kagwanja and former Senator Kembi Gitura are eyeing the Jubilee ticket for the Murang’a senate seat.

Wrote letters

“I will not engage in any negotiations with my competitor because I understand some of the county party officials are his campaign managers and the party must remove them. I have written them letters and they are aware of my concerns,” Prof Kagwanja said.

Political parties are supposed to submit their list of aspirants by April 22 to IEBC. By this time, the parties are expected to have conducted primaries and resolved all disputes arising from the same.

Mr Kega said Jubilee opted for consensus to avoid fallout after the nominations that could weaken the party at a time they are engaged in the processes to revive it.

At the same time, the ruling party has engaged eminent persons who are scrutinising popular candidates while in other cases, they are using opinion polls.

Those who will agree to step down in favour of their rivals have been promised State and county jobs, which Mr Kega said is a win-win situation.

The legislator said that the ruling party has established a strong dispute resolution mechanism to deal with issues that may arise from the nominations.

“Those who may not be contented with the decisions of the party will be allowed to seek redress before the established party’s tribunal but we don’t anticipate that since we expect a scenario where all candidates will be satisfied and will be engaged in national campaigns to support the party’s flag bearer,” the MP said.