Africa-Press – Kenya. A major showdown is expected Monday as retired president Uhuru Kenyatta moves to assert his authority as the Jubilee party leader amidst heightened internal strife. Uhuru was forced to pick a new private venue-Ngong Racecourse- for the National Delegates’ Convention (NDC) after being blocked from using Bomas.
While it appears that his options may have faded, it is understood that he will use the meeting to announce far-reaching decisions even as some state forces push on to wipe him out from the political stage.
“The agenda of the conference is to review, formulate and adopt party policies, receive a status report from the National Executive Committee and consider and adopt any other business,” Uhuru said in a notice.
On Sunday, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro reminded Uhuru that he was acting against the law by continuing to engage in active politics. “Resign from political parties, respect your position… The retirement benefits Act is clear on what happens when you do not respect it,” he said during an event in Isiolo.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege maintained the planned Monday meeting is illegal, adding they will soon convene a meeting of all party members from across the country.
“I want to tell my former party leader that his term is over, let him respect us… Yeye ni mzee na anafaa atulie,” she said.
In a bid to avert any chaos during the meeting, the party has put in place necessary measures including inviting delegates only perceived to be loyal to their camp amidst reports that there were plans to disrupt.
Former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni has already warned the public against people he said are extorting money from them so as to be included as the party’s delegates.
“Please note that as a party, we are not involved in any collection of names or monies ahead of the NDC. Our Jubilee Party Delegates are known to the party and will be invited in a very structured manner. Do not fall for these scams,” he said.
The party, according to some officials behind the planning, also ensured there is adequate security by providing proper checks at the entry to ensure the meeting goes on uninterrupted.
“We have notified the police about the meeting and we expect them to provide us with security during the day… But as part of our arrangements, we have ensured that the matter is well handled,” said an official.
Ngong Racecourse is a well-guarded facility meaning admission rests with the management. At the center of the dispute in the party is a spirited fight between two groups, both battling for the control of the once ruling party now reduced to a shell.
While it remains to be seen how the group led by EALA MP Kanini Kega is planning to counter it, Uhuru and his allies maintains the meeting will proceed as planned.
“There will be no NDC on Monday and of they purport to hold it then it will basically be treated like any political rally. We gave a Constitution that needs to be followed,” said Kega.
It is a meeting that is set to put to test if Uhuru wields any political clout now an ordinary citizen after exiting from power seven months ago. Political analysts view this as a renewed battle between him and President William Ruto who was dismissed from the party as the deputy party leader.
For More News And Analysis About Kenya Follow Africa-Press
