Blow for Uhuru’s party after tribunal rules on fate of former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga

dennis kibet

March 22, 2017 6:18 PM

Only a few hours before, Njenga had dramatically defected to Independence party Kanu after Jubilee had refused to accept his nomination papers.

Kanu chairman Gideon Moi (Baringo Senator) and Laikipia senator aspirant Maina Njenga during a press conference at the party's headquarters after the latter's defection from Jubilee, March 22, 2017.

The Jubilee Party was on Tuesday forced to eat humble pie following a ruling by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.

The Tribunal ordered the party to accept former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga’s nomination papers unconditionally.

Only a few hours before, Njenga had dramatically defected to Independence party Kanu after Jubilee had refused to accept his nomination papers citing integrity issues.

Njenga had wanted to vie for the Laikipia Senatorial seat on a Jubilee Party ticket.

It now remains to be seen whether Njenga will now head back to the Jubilee Party or stay at his new found home in Kanu.

Warm reception

Kanu Chairman Gideon Moi and other senior officials were on hand at the party’s offices to receive Njenga.

Speaking after the defection, Njenga thanked Moi for warmly welcoming him to the party.

He castigated Jubilee for treating him unfairly saying that a senior official at the party’s headquarters did not even look at his papers saying that he was waiting for further instructions before making a decision.

“I wondered afterwards if Jubilee is owned by one man or the people. At least here in Kanu I know there is a mother and a mother who will take care of me,” Njenga said.

However the former Mungiki leader said that he support the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta in August.

In an apparent swipe at Moi’s bitter rival in Rift Valley, Njenga said that after President Kenyatta’s tenure, Kanu will take over and make its way to State House come 2022.

Deputy President William Ruto has already said that he plans to vie for the presidency in 2022.

dennis kibet