Kenya Deputy President William Ruto Protests 'Fraudulent' Changes to Jubilee Party

Deputy President William Ruto has moved to stop the proposed change of Jubilee Party officials, terming it as fraudulent.

Ruto on Friday said that some shadowy characters are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to make changes to the governing party. He noted that as the party’s deputy leader, he has written to the Registrar of Political Parties notifying her of the alleged fraud.

“As Kenyans are focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, some shadowy characters are attempting to FRAUDULENTLY institute ILLEGAL changes in officials of Jubilee party,” Ruto tweeted.

He added: “As deputy leader, I have alerted the registrar of the fraud. Party members should know that the matter is being handled.”

A gazette notice dated April 6th and signed by the Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu stated that Jubilee wanted to change the National Management Committee (NMC). Five names had been forwarded to replace current holders of the positions. They include Lucy Nyawira Macharia, Prof. Marete Marangu, Walter Nyambati, Jane Nampaso and James Waweru.

In the gazette notice, Ms. Nderitu urged any Jubilee Party member who wishes to challenge the changes to do so within seven days.

“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended change by the political party shall within seven (7) days from the date herein, deposit them with the Registrar of Political Parties,” the notice reads in part.

Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has also written to the Registrar of Political Parties seeking to stop the process. “I have never been invited to any meeting to discuss and or consider anything let alone removal, resignation and or replacement of any officials of the party or the members of NMC or of any organs of the party,” said Murkomen.