The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has reaffirmed that the party remains firmly in the opposition, despite recent events that have fueled speculation about a shift in its stance.
His comments came in response to the recent nomination of several Jubilee-linked individuals to the Cabinet, which sparked rumors of the party aligning with the government. These appointments followed a high-profile meeting between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Jubilee is in opposition, as our party leader instructed William Ruto to focus on developing the economy,” Kioni said during a press briefing on Monday.
The clarification from Kioni came after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga defended the meeting between Uhuru and Ruto. Odinga stated that the two leaders merely exchanged pleasantries and that the encounter could not be considered a “handshake” unless explicitly declared by both parties.
Regarding the inclusion of Jubilee members in Ruto’s Cabinet, Odinga, speaking on Friday, suggested that Ruto’s decision was driven by a desire to form an inclusive government, not a political alliance.
“Uhuru just greeted Ruto. They didn’t announce that they were working together,” Odinga said. “Ruto has stated he wants a government that represents the entire country, which is why he brought in people from both ODM and Jubilee. This is not a handshake; it’s about broadening his government.”
Odinga further emphasized that any real “handshake” would involve a signed agreement, which would be made public by both Uhuru and Ruto.
“If there were a handshake, it would be based on negotiations and a formal agreement, which would be announced,” he explained.
Earlier this month, President Ruto met with Uhuru at his Gatundu home to discuss national issues. Ruto, who is working to regain support in the Mt. Kenya region, explained that the meeting aimed to find common ground for future cooperation.
