Kioni Blasts Gachagua Over Claims of One-Party Mt Kenya Future

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks suggesting that the Mt Kenya region could eventually be united under a single political party.

Speaking during a live interview on Spice FM on Thursday, 8 January, Kioni said the idea of one dominant party was unconstitutional and contrary to Kenya’s democratic principles. He argued that the Constitution protects political pluralism and the right of citizens to organise within different political movements.

“I heard someone saying that in this region, we will only have one party. That is a very retrogressive statement,” Kioni said. He added that such views disregard the struggle that led to the establishment of a multi-party system in Kenya.

The former Ndaragwa MP warned that Gachagua’s remarks risk creating divisions within the opposition by undermining trust among its members. He said opposition unity should be based on respect for democratic freedoms, not on attempts to centralise political power.

Kioni further stated that he would reconsider his position within the opposition if similar statements continued. He noted that his political plans for the 2027 elections could not be jeopardised by what he described as anti-democratic positions.

“We fought for this Constitution, and it is because of this pluralism that we can challenge each other,” he said. “Because I am going to run in 2027, you are not going to sacrifice my political career on statements you continue saying.”

Kioni also commented on internal disagreements within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He alleged that factions within the party were attempting to undermine it, comparing the situation to challenges that affected Jubilee Party two years ago.

According to Kioni, ODM risks losing its core identity unless members actively defend its founding principles and the political legacy of Raila Odinga. He also claimed that there were efforts to link former President Uhuru Kenyatta to the party’s internal disputes, which he described as politically motivated.

“ODM is on sale, and they are currently trying to implicate former President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Kioni said. “ODM members must fight for the soul of the party and fight for the spirit of Raila.”