Leaders tussle over PNU's move to Jubilee

The fate of the Party of National Unity remains uncertain after the chairman endorsed its dissolution.

On Friday, Chairman John Kamama joined 12 other parties that merged to form Jubilee Party amid opposition from Secretary-General John Okemwa.

Mr Kamama attending a Jubilee merger meeting in Statehouse last month.

If the move happens it will leave Meru Governor Peter Munya’s ambition of seeking re-election through the party in limbo.

However, Mr Okemwa and Mr Munya maintained that PNU will not merge.

In a notice, the Secretary-General postponed PNU’s National Governing Council and the National Delegates Convention (NDC) - which he had called - from September 9 to October 28.

The

The meeting was opposed by Mr Kamama.

Speaking during the Jubilee coalition delegates meeting at Kasarani, Mr Kamama said there was no dispute about the closing down of PNU.

“I spoke with the former President Mwai Kibaki and he endorsed that PNU should work with government. We have dissolved to join Jubilee and the former president is proud. There is no dispute over the move,” he said.

He added: "Governor Munya is not a member of PNU. And no member of our party had gone to court to oppose the merger. We only delayed because of the issue of Munya who wanted to take over the party leadership."

NO MERGER

Governor Munya has been popularizing PNU in Meru where he has been accompanied by Mr Okemwa.

The party has also opened an office at Milimani in Meru town.

“Our stand remains that we will not merge and the national delegates’ conference (NDC) will confirm this decision. The issue of joining Jubilee is not on our table at all,” Mr Okemwa had said.

Earlier last month, the governor met around 500 aspirants who are interested in joining PNU in efforts to strengthen the party in the county.

The meeting was also held ahead of the postponed September 9 NDC when Mr Munya was to be confirmed as the party leader.

Addressing the aspirants, Mr Munya said the meeting was meant to help interested politicians familiarize with the party ahead of a recruitment drive.

“PNU is not a new party. PNU was once a ruling party. You are not joining some briefcase party but a national outfit. It has set the foundation with followers across the country,” said Mr Munya.

Edited by Philip Momanyi