Former nominated MP moves to court to block upcoming Jubilee Party NDC

Former nominated MP Hassan Osman. [Standard, file]

Former nominated MP, Hassan Osman, has moved to court seeking to block former President Uhuru Kenyatta from convening the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference (NDC) on May 22, 2023.

The move follows intense infighting within the party between two factions, one led by Jeremiah Kioni and the other by Kanini Kega, who are embroiled in leadership wrangles.

Kenyatta has called for a special NDC to take place on May 22 at the Kenya International Convention Centre. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss important party matters and make critical decisions that will shape the party's future.

Jubilee delegates from across the country are expected to attend the meeting.

Osman, a founding member of the Jubilee Party filed a certificate of urgency with the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal on Monday, May 8, citing concerns that the conference is wrongful and unlawful and could destabilize the party.

Represented by Hassan Lakicha & Company Advocates, Osman stated that Jubilee Party could suffer irreparable loss and damage unless Kenyatta is restrained from proceeding with the NDC.

The Jubilee Party, Uhuru Kenyatta, Jeremiah Kioni and Kagwe Gichohi are listed as respondents in the application.

"The party stands to suffer irreparable loss and damage unless the respondents are restrained from continuing with the ongoing illegal actions of acting, conducting and dealing on behalf of the Jubilee Party," Osman said.

According to Osman's submission, the party branches are currently inactive, and the party documents are not readily available, raising fears that strangers may participate in the delegates' conference.

The application also notes that the party headquarters have been relocated from Thika Road to Kileleshwa, making it difficult for members to access the premises.

"That it is in the interest of justice that the orders sought herein be granted," added Osman.

The court is yet to rule on the matter.