Jeremiah Kioni, the Jubilee Party Secretary General, has strongly refuted claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta instructed his allies to join the Kenya Kwanza alliance. Kioni, who served as the Member of Parliament for Ndarangwa, emphasized that Uhuru remains firmly aligned with the Azimio la Umoja coalition, and his stance on supporting the opposition has not wavered since the 2022 general elections.
Kioni’s statements come amid speculations that Uhuru had allegedly urged opposition leader Raila Odinga to cooperate with President William Ruto, particularly in the wake of Generation Z protests. These protests, led primarily by young Kenyans, have highlighted the frustrations of the population over the rising cost of living and perceived governmental failures. According to Kioni, these claims are baseless and amount to political doublespeak aimed at confusing the public.
“Uhuru has not instructed any of us to join Kenya Kwanza or to be part of a government that is responsible for skyrocketing the cost of living,” Kioni stated emphatically. He went on to clarify that the former president’s directive to his followers remains unchanged: to support the interests of Kenyans during these trying times.
Kioni’s remarks also targeted certain opposition leaders who have recently shown signs of aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration. He criticized this shift in allegiance as a betrayal of the principles that these leaders once stood for, particularly those who were vocal critics of the current government. According to Kioni, such leaders are now acting in contradiction to their previous positions, which raises questions about their commitment to the opposition’s cause.
“Uhuru’s mind is very clear. He was the one who told Kenyans not to go to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He cannot now be telling people to join Kenya Kwanza,” Kioni asserted, reaffirming the former president’s loyalty to the Azimio coalition.
The Jubilee Secretary General further argued that the Kenya Kwanza administration is facing significant challenges that could lead to its downfall before the end of its five-year term. He described the current government as a “sinking ship,” plagued by mismanagement and a lack of coherent policy direction. Kioni suggested that Uhuru’s concerns are centered on the government’s inability to address the needs of the Kenyan people, especially in terms of economic stability and the rising cost of living.
Kioni also highlighted the determination of the Azimio coalition to remain united as they prepare for the 2027 general elections. He expressed confidence that the coalition would emerge victorious and form the next government, dismissing any notion that they would consider merging with or joining the Kenya Kwanza alliance.
“We are going to form the government, and in 2029, there are those who will come to join us, and we will receive them at that time,” Kioni remarked, signaling a long-term vision for the Azimio coalition that extends beyond the immediate political horizon.
The former MP’s statements underscore the deepening divide between the two major political alliances in Kenya. As the country continues to grapple with economic challenges and political uncertainty, the positions taken by key leaders like Uhuru Kenyatta and his allies will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of Kenyan politics.
Kioni’s remarks also serve as a rallying cry for the opposition, urging them to stay the course and prioritize the interests of the Kenyan people over short-term political gains. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the battle lines between Azimio and Kenya Kwanza are expected to become even more defined, with each side vying for the support of a populace eager for change.
The political landscape in Kenya remains fluid, with shifting allegiances and evolving strategies. However, Kioni’s statements make it clear that, for now, the Azimio coalition, under the symbolic leadership of Uhuru Kenyatta, is focused on staying united and preparing for the next electoral contest.
