The Kiambaa by-election loss by the Jubilee party has resulted in fresh conflict within the party, with a section of members pointing accusing fingers at the management.
The July 15 polls where Jubilee’s Kariri Njama narrowly lost to UDA’s John Njuguna Wanjiku have intensified calls for the change in party leadership.
Jubilee secretary-general Raphael Tuju and Vice-chair David Murathe have however laughed off claims that they are responsible for the Kiambaa by-election loss.
Speaking to People Daily, Tuju said the party did its best, and no one is to be blamed for the Kiambaa by-election loss.
“I have heard some people saying that we were responsible. I am only a secretary-general and an employee of the party. Some of the high-ranking members who are saying that are my bosses. It will be impolite for me to respond to their claims,” he said.
On the other hand, David Murathe has defended himself, demanding his accusers to explain how the campaign money provided was used.
“Those who bungled the Kiambaa by-election must account for the money we gave them for the campaigns,” he told the People Daily.
After the Kiambaa by-election, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru reiterated her calls for the ruling party to change its approach.
“For Jubilee party, the loss is a sign that its core supporters are unhappy and urgent action is needed to forestall further downward slide,” she said.
Jubilee MP Adan Keynan also acknowledged that the party had been shaken by the Kiambaa by-election loss
“Time has come for none other than the President to act and decisively so by shaking up his inner circle. In doing so, he must go for nothing less than loyalty and appreciate the strategic role politics plays in actualization of policy decisions,” read part of his press statement.
Kariri Njama on July 16 said that he will challenge the election results.
