Jubilee Party infighting escalates as ex-MP seeks crucial documents

"I demand copies of documentation or information from you to date and in particular, the current Jubilee Party constitution, current officials of the party including the National Management Committee, and state whether interim where applicable," Hassan Lakicha & Company Advocates letter dated May 4, 2023, read in part.

Osman said the unveiling of the documents would facilitate transparency and accountability in the party's operations. He threatened legal action within seven days if his demands are not met.

Jubilee Party has been rocked by infighting as two factions, Kanini Kega and Jeremiah Kioni, engage in a power struggle.

The party, affiliated with the opposition coalition Azimio la Umoja and supported Raila Odinga's presidential bid in the last election, has seen its members split after William Ruto won the August 9 polls.

On April 26, two groups claimed ownership of the party headquarters in Nairobi, one linked to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the other supporting President Ruto, engaged in a power struggle.

Kega, the East African Legislative Assembly MP mobilised a section of politicians within the party and switched loyalty to Ruto, whom they met at State House.

Kega announced himself as the new Secretary General and suspended Kioni and Vice Chair David Murathe after a National Executive Council meeting with a group of loyalists. On May 4, supporters of Kega and Kioni were dispersed by police.

Despite a directive from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal urging the party to resolve its differences internally, both factions are still fighting for the soul and control of the Jubilee Party.