Registrar of Political Parties ratifies expulsion of Kioni, Murathe from Jubilee party
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has ratified changes in the Jubilee party that saw Vice Chairperson David Murathe and Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni expelled from the outfit.
In a letter to Jubilee Deputy Secretary General Joshua Kutuny, Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu said due process was following in kicking out the members from the party over allegations of gross misconduct and lack of respect for the party organs.
Nderitu also ratified the suspension of National Treasurer Kagwe Gichohi for a period of two years.
The trio was suspended in February this year and the matter referred to the Jubilee's National Disciplinary Committee amid protests from the accused leaders.
In a statement on Friday, a Jubilee party faction led by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Kanini Kega said the committee concluded its hearing of the said disciplinary matters last week and forwarded its decisions to the National Executive Committee (NEC).
NEC adopted the resolutions on Friday and submitted the report to the registrar of political parties for approval.
"Reference is made to the above subject matter and your letter conveying, inter alia, resolutions of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in regard to the National Disciplinary Committee decisions. This Office notes that pursuant to the judgment in PPDT Appeal No. E001 of 2023 Hon. David Murathe & 3 Others vs Office of the Registrar of Political Parties & Another, the Tribunal observed the need to internally resolve the issues emanating from the Jubilee Party (JP) NEC meeting of 10It February 2023.
"It is further noted that the party concluded the disciplinary processes against Hon. Jeremiah Kioni, Hon. David Murathe, and Mr. Kagwe Gichohi wherein they participated in line with Section 14B (2) of the Political Parties Act, 2011 (PPA). Consequently, the party expelled Hon. Kioni, Hon. Murathe and suspended Mr. Kagwe," Nderitu's letter dated May 19 reads in part.
Nderitu said the disciplinary action against the trio stands and the changes have been effected in the party register.
"Following a review of the submitted documents in line with the PPA and the party constitution, this Office is satisfied that the party adhered to the due process. Accordingly, pursuant to Section 34(da) of the PPA, this Office has updated its records and the register of party members," she added.
The decision comes a day after the faction led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kioni held a National Delegates Convention (NDC) and expelled Kega and 10 other members over a political dalliance with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The two factions have in recent months locked horns over the party's leadership with the Kega faction recently kicking out Uhuru as party leader and appointing nominated MP Sabina Chege as his replacement in an acting capacity.
Meanwhile, in a separate letter to Kioni, the parties registrar said a NEC meeting convened by the Uhuru-allied faction on April 28 lacked quorum and its resolutions can not stand.
"The list of attendees for the 28th April 2023 meeting comprises nine individuals with two attendees, Hon. Maison Leshoomo and Mr. Polycarp Hinga, who were yet to assume office. Owing to the above, the resolutions emanating from the 28th April 2023 meeting cannot stand for lack of quorum," Nderitu said.
