Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has weighed in on the suspension of Jeremiah Kioni as the Jubilee secretary general.
While drawing parallels to Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s failed ouster as Ford Kenya boss in 2020, Ledama said Kioni would have the “last laugh”.
“I love Kenya. Moses Wetang’ula was suspended from Ford Kenya and a new chairman was installed by a section of rebel members, Weta laughed last!” he said in a statement on Friday.
The senator pointed out that Kioni, like Wetang’ula, had been kicked out by a rebel group within the Jubilee party.
“Today rebel Jubilee members have suspended my friend Jeremiah Kioni. Let’s see who will have the last laugh in Jubilee!”
Earlier on Friday, Jubilee’s National Executive Council met at the Sarova Woodlands Hotel in Nakuru and reached the resolution to suspend Kioni and two other officials.
“The following party officials are suspended forthwith and their cases referred to the party’s internal dispute resolutions mechanism for further determination; Secretary general Jeremiah Kioni, National treasurer Kagwe Gichohi, and National Vice-chair David Murathe,” the Committee said in a communication on the suspension of the officials.
EALA MP Kanini Kega was chosen to replace Kioni.
But speaking at the Azimio rally in Machakos shortly after his ouster, Kioni dismissed the NEC resolution and maintained that he was still the SG.
“Those are lies. I’m here as the Jubilee SG. Jubilee is a member of Azimio till the end and so is former President Uhuru Kenyatta,” he said.
He also sent show cause letters to Kega, Nominated MP Sabina Chege, Fatuma Dullo, and Adan Kenan following their visit to State House.
Kioni said the party received a petition from one of the members accusing the four MPs of four counts.
“You have been accused of acting in a manner disloyal to Jubilee Party, advancing positions that are contrary to the position of Jubilee Party,” the letter dated February 10, read.
Other counts included demonstrating lack of respect for the decision made by the party and demonstrating lack of respect for the Jubilee Party organs.
Kioni said that the petition has been forwarded to the Party Disciplinary Committee.
“The action is provided for by our Party Constitution to process and you will be contacting you in due course,” he said.