Date scheduled for Uhuru’s State of the Nation address
President Uhuru Kenyatta will deliver the much-anticipated State of the Nation address on November 30.
The address will coincide with the planned Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference to expel Deputy President William Ruto and his allies from the party as well as ratify its merger with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The address is in accordance with Article 132 of the Constitution, which mandates the President to report on measures taken and progress achieved in the realisation of national values set in the Article, as well as the progress made in fulfilling the country’s international obligations.
Well-placed sources at the National Assembly told People Daily that State House had notified the two Speakers, Justin Muturi and Ken Lusaka (Senate) on the dates for the address.
Tuju’s notice
Contacted, Clerk of the National Assembly Michael Sialai said he was yet to receive a written note from State House but was confident that the Presidential address would take place on the day since the House will be starting the long recess on December 2.
“It is a constitutional requirement and I expect the Head of State to make the address before the House breaks. However, I am yet to receive a written note from State House,” Sialai said.
Jubilee Party secretary general Raphael Tuju has issued a notice convening the NDC that will be held at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi on the same day.
“The agenda of the NDC shall be to review, formulate and/or approve all policies of the party,” Tuju said in the notice.
In the past, the President has delivered the address between March and May. However, this could not happen due to the Covid-19 crisis.
“We are eager to listen and hear what President Kenyatta has in terms of realigning his agenda and priority of the nation in line with ensuring sustainable development and economic recovery,” the MP had said.
While issuing notice for the NDC, Tuju said the party will also consider, amend, review or ratify the party constitution to ensure compliance with the Constitution and the Political Parties Act.
The removal of members who have allegedly left the party, including Ruto, will be part of the agenda.
Also to be considered at the NDC are “other matters referred by the National Executive Committee or the National Governing Council”.
The ruling party has been engulfed in squabbles following the falling out between the President and his deputy who is headed to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) which he plans to use in seeking the presidency in next year’s elections.
Leaders allied to Uhuru have been daring Ruto to formally resign from the ruling party and the deputy presidency instead of criticising it and the government from within but he has vowed to stay put.
Ruto has time and again referred to Jubilee as a “dying party”, saying he is not scared of threats to remove him.
According to the DP, his decision to move to UDA was informed by the divisions that rocked Jubilee which he said had “lost its ideals and is beyond salvage”.
Ruling party
The DP blames the woes bedevilling the ruling party on ODM leader Raila Odinga.
“Our party rented an outsider to be its flag bearer during the 2022 general elections; this was the start of the end of our beloved party.
We will be seeking new avenues to use in 2022,” Ruto has persistently said.
The NDC is also expected to restructure the leadership organs to replace, among others, Ruto and officials supporting him.
There were also claims that the Jubilee Parliamentary Caucus had planned to replace Tuju, but other sources indicated he might be spared.
The ruling party is also planning to create more seats to accommodate all the regions of the country as it seeks to reclaim its supremacy.
