‘Leave Jubilee alone’ – Martha Karua claims Ruto behind plot to take over Uhuru’s party
Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua now claims President William Ruto is behind a vicious power struggle that has rocked the Jubilee party in recent months.
Speaking during the Jubilee party's National Delegates Convention (NDC) held at Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi, on Monday, Karua alleged that Ruto is seeking to wrest control of the former ruling party from its lawful owners.
She said Ruto was only using Jubilee "rebels" led by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member Kanini Kega and nominated MP Sabina Chege to destabilise the party before the intended takeover.
"I want it to be known that it's not rebels within Jubilee who want to destroy the party, it's William Ruto who wants Jubilee," Karua stated.
She said the president should respect parties affiliated with the opposition's Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition, warning that the coalition would not allow the takeover.
"Touching Jubilee is bombing the foundation of a house called Azimio la Umoja. We shall not let anyone play around with constituent parties of Azimio," Karua warned.
"What he is trying is to get a super majority so that he can change the constitution without the involvement of the people. This is a great assault on democracy. We know you have not fought for democracy. Some of us have fought for democracy throughout our lives."
According to Karua, if the president was interested in Jubilee MPs he should ask those who have shifted allegiance to the Kenya Kwanza administration to resign and seek office with their party of choice, instead of rocking the party from within.
"Now someone says that he has a Ph.D. yet he cannot recognise the laws of Kenya. That is the great shame of this nation. We do not want your help William Ruto all we need is respect for the rule of law. Leave political parties alone," she added.
The remarks were reiterated by Azimio leader Raila Odinga, who told the Kenya Kwanza administration to respect the constitution and leave Jubilee alone.
"The people trying to take over Jubilee and hand it over to Kenya Kwanza may not be fully aware of their sponsors' complex schemes. They are mere ponds in a game that will eventually consume them," Raila said.
The NDC was chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who told the rebel members to leave the party instead of engaging in wrangles.
"As a party, we love democracy and peace. If by any chance you have had a change of heart, do the respectful thing and just go and let us be. Respect is a two-way street. I am not saying this with anger or hate, but Jubilee Party has its owners, and I will remain as the party leader until they decide I should hand over," Uhuru said.
"Those dissatisfied with Jubilee Party, the door is open, leave us alone. They keep saying Jubilee is dead, why are they concerned with a corpse? These people should style up. They know we are much alive."
