Jubilee parties agree to wind up, form one entity ahead of polls

The National Alliance Chairman Mr Johnson Sakaja. Sakaja said the deadline for dissolving political parties affiliated to Jubilee coalition is December 19. PHOTO | PHOEBE OKALL | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Murungi said members had agreed in principle to merge their parties to form the Jubilee Party.
  • On the agenda at the retreat, which ends on Saturday, are ways of rolling out countrywide meetings to popularise the new political outfit

Twelve political parties affiliated to the Jubilee coalition have commenced talks on their dissolution and merger ahead of the next polls.

Party representatives meeting in Naivasha are confident that they will form a formidable force that will propel them to victory.

Speaking at the Great Rift Valley Lodge where the talks are being held, chairperson of the National Steering Committee Members and National Executive Councils of the 12 parties, Mr Kiraitu Murungi, said deliberations are focusing on party structures and how to sell the new political outfit across the country.

“The process to form the largest and most vibrant political party has started in earnest. We are open to other political parties beyond the ruling coalition,” said the Meru Senator.

TNA chairman, Mr Johnson Sakaja, said the deadline of dissolving their parties is December 19.

“We feel we would be stronger as one party, but ideally, the formation of the party is motivated by plans to unite the country,” he said.

Mr Murungi said members had agreed in principle to merge their parties to form the Jubilee Party.

“We are determined to kill negative ethnicity and unite Kenyans across the political divide.”

On the agenda at the retreat, which ends on Saturday, are ways of rolling out countrywide meetings to popularise the new political outfit

Mr Murungi said all the National Executive Committees for the parties had passed the resolution to pave way for the National Delegates Councils, which will endorse decision to merge the parties.

Mr Noah Wekesa, a NEC member, expressed optimism on the dissolution process and final merger, adding that they expected to woo more parties into joining the new outfit.