New party ignites old Meru political rivalries

What you need to know:

  • Some analysts believe the merger of TNA and URP is intended to ensure Deputy President William Ruto inherits the political bloc when President Kenyatta retires, if he wins a second term in the next elections.
  • APK leader Kiraitu Murungi who was earlier uncomfortable with the manner in which JAP had been sold, attended the Friday and Saturday retreat in Naivasha and welcomed the new party.
  • Tharaka-Nithi Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha hailed formation of the party saying it would promote unity.

The formation of Jubilee Alliance Party has re-ignited fresh political row in the vote-rich region with some leaders questioning its intention.

Political temperatures that were already high following President Uhuru Kenyatta’s expected visit and squabbles between leaders and Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders rose after the announcement of JAP formation last week.

Governor Peter Munya is leading the group opposed to JAP. Mr Munya, who was elected on an Alliance Party of Kenya ticket, says it is wrong for Jubilee affiliate parties to be swallowed by JAP in preparation for President Kenyatta’s succession.

Some analysts believe the merger of TNA and URP is intended to ensure Deputy President William Ruto inherits the political bloc when President Kenyatta retires, if he wins a second term in the next elections.

Tharaka-Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure, a proponent of JAP, is said to be interested in being Mr Ruto’s running mate in 2022.

NEW PARTY

Mr Munya said if APK joined JAP, he would push for the formation of a new party for the region.

APK leader Kiraitu Murungi who was earlier uncomfortable with the manner in which JAP had been sold, attended the Friday and Saturday retreat in Naivasha and welcomed the new party.

Mr Murungi told the Nation that the explanation given about forming JAP in a hurry because of the Kajiado Central by-election made sense.

“All parties will be included in JAP. We are happy with the explanation by the President and we’ll support him,” Mr Murungi said.

During the retreat, President Kenyatta said the aim of forming JAP was not only to win the next elections but form the government beyond the 2022 polls.

In the last elections, APK ran its own campaigns but supported Mr Kenyatta for presidency.

Last year, APK leaders announced plans to revamp the party with the intention of seeking power in coming polls.

Speaking last week during a fundraiser at Mbuju Methodist Church in Buuri Sub-County, Mr Munya appeared to suggest that APK was being overshadowed by its partners in Jubilee.

“If it happens that APK is swallowed or sold to this new party, we will form a new outfit. We want to have our own identity,” the governor said.

ONE PARTY STATE

He added that the merger of TNA and URP and the dissolution of other parties was akin to taking the country back to the one party state rule.

“We want to continue being a pluralistic society because the tenets of a democracy is the multiplicity of parties which bring new ideas,” he said.

His sentiments were supported by vocal Nominated MCA Alhaji Mwendia and Deputy County Speaker Gideon Kimathi.

However, North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood (APK) and his South Imenti counterpart Kathuri Murungi (TNA) lauded JAP’s formation.

Mr Dawood said APK had never met or talked about forming a new party.

“Those are Mr Munya’s opinions. We cannot live in isolation and we have to realise that democracy can also be ensured in one party,” Mr Dawood said.

Mr Kathuri said it would be easy for Meru leaders to demand more resources if they were in the new party.

“As Merus, we can support one of our own when we are in JAP,” the MP said.

PARTISAN INTERESTS

Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi (ODM) said the new party would unite leaders and do away with partisan interests, wrangles and differences in the county leadership.

Tharaka-Nithi Woman Representative Beatrice Nkatha hailed formation of the party saying it would promote unity.

 Ms Nkatha said belonging of different political parties had created and nurtured misunderstanding among leaders in the county.

Speaking to the Nation yesterday, Ms Nkatha said the unity and agreement arrived at during the Jubilee Coalition Naivasha retreat would drive JAP and the country in general to greater development heights.

Additional reporting by Alex Njeru.