Nairobi — Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni now says they will support the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition in its planned peaceful protests over the removal of four embattled commissionersat the independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Kioni said Monday that the party will continue to support the Azimio Coalition, led by opposition Chief Raila Odinga, in his efforts to promote good governance in the country.
"Over the past few days, a section of the Azimio Coalition, led by our coalition leader, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, has signaled an intention of holding demonstrations and a series of public rallies to pressure the government on matters relating to the Kenya Kwanza conduct at the 2022 General Election and governance issues," Kioni said
"We wish to clarify that the party is consulting widely with our coalition partners, and will support any peaceful and sustainable efforts at promoting good governance and accountability in the country," he added.
Kioni stated that the Jubilee Party would issue a comprehensive statement on the state of the nation in the coming days, touching on issues such as the judiciary, state capture, and the state of the country's security.
Also on the agenda will be the state of the country's economy, the houses of parliament, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC), and legal reforms needed in the key institutions within the country.
He pointed out that the Jubilee Party is in the process of taking stock following the just concluded 2022 General Election and working towards restoring the party to "its former glory."
"The party will there-after embark on a sustained effort to win back the confidence and trust of our people," he said.
Kioni further announced that after weighing different options, the party will not be fielding any candidates in the upcoming by-elections in, Elgeyo Marakwet, Garissa Township, and Kandara Constituency, except Utawala Ward.
He added that the decision is also informed by the findings of the Supreme Court that the "Chair of IEBC acted unilaterally without involving other commissioners in making core decisions of the commission.
"Chebukati should have already proceeded on terminal leave pending the appointment of a new chairman. It is clear that Mr. Chebukati is being used to suffocate democracy by the Regime," he said.
On Monday, President William Ruto dared Odinga to make good on his threat to stage demonstrations across the country over the removal of the dissident IEBC commissioners.
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President Ruto directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure to accord the Odinga-led coalition ample security commencing December 7 as they demonstrate in various parts of the country.
The President during an interdenominational church service in Embu County directed CS Kindiki to ensure that the Odinga-led protest did not disrupt the businesses of hardworking Kenyans.
"I have told Kindiki to ask the opposition people for their schedule for demonstrations so that we give them enough police officers to ensure they don't loot from businesses," Ruto said.
Odinga has protested President William Ruto's move to suspend the four who differed with IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati over the August polls results.
He condemned the suspension of Juliana Cherera, Justus Nyang'aya, Francis Wanderi, and Irene Masit as political.
