NAIROBI, Kenya – Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has doubled down on the party’s position in the opposition, dismissing growing speculation fueled by recent political events and high-profile meetings.
Kioni’s remarks come in the wake of the nomination of several Jubilee-affiliated figures to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
The appointments, combined with a recent meeting between Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, have triggered rumors of a potential shift in Jubilee’s alignment.
“We remain firmly in the opposition,” Kioni stated during a press briefing on Monday. “Our party leader, Uhuru Kenyatta, emphasized that our focus is on holding the government accountable and urging them to prioritize economic development.”
The meeting between Ruto and Kenyatta, held at the latter’s Gatundu home, raised eyebrows given their strained history.
President Ruto later clarified that the discussion was centered on national interests and finding common ground for future collaboration.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a close ally of Kenyatta and leader of the opposition coalition, also weighed in on the matter, downplaying suggestions of a political “handshake” between Kenyatta and Ruto.
“Uhuru simply greeted Ruto; there was no handshake or agreement for political cooperation,” Raila stated on Friday.
He framed the appointments of Jubilee members to the Cabinet as part of Ruto’s strategy to create a more inclusive government.
“Ruto said he wanted a representative government and brought in people from ODM and Jubilee. This is not a handshake; it’s broadening his government,” Raila emphasized, adding that any formal handshake would require a signed agreement and public announcement.
Kioni’s remarks come in the wake of the nomination of several Jubilee-affiliated figures to President William Ruto’s Cabinet.
The appointments, combined with a recent meeting between Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, have triggered rumors of a potential shift in Jubilee’s alignment.
“We remain firmly in the opposition,” Kioni stated during a press briefing on Monday. “Our party leader, Uhuru Kenyatta, emphasized that our focus is on holding the government accountable and urging them to prioritize economic development.”
The meeting between Ruto and Kenyatta, held at the latter’s Gatundu home, raised eyebrows given their strained history.
President Ruto later clarified that the discussion was centered on national interests and finding common ground for future collaboration.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a close ally of Kenyatta and leader of the opposition coalition, also weighed in on the matter, downplaying suggestions of a political “handshake” between Kenyatta and Ruto.
“Uhuru simply greeted Ruto; there was no handshake or agreement for political cooperation,” Raila stated on Friday.
He framed the appointments of Jubilee members to the Cabinet as part of Ruto’s strategy to create a more inclusive government.
“Ruto said he wanted a representative government and brought in people from ODM and Jubilee. This is not a handshake; it’s broadening his government,” Raila emphasized, adding that any formal handshake would require a signed agreement and public announcement.
