Jeremiah Kioni Says Jubilee Messaging Will Now Be Centralised After Uhuru Warning

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has moved to clarify the party’s communication policy following former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s public reprimand over remarks made about Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Kioni described Uhuru's comments as a “polite reminder” on the need for discipline and consistency in the party’s messaging. Speaking during a televised interview on Tuesday evening, he said the former president’s advice was not meant to silence internal debate but to ensure the party communicates through its designated spokesperson. 

“What the former President meant was our ability to communicate, and now we know that communication should come from one person who is our party spokesperson,” he said.

He announced that the party will hold a retreat beginning Thursday to review and strengthen its communication strategy. The meeting will focus on moving away from personal disputes and directing attention towards issues affecting citizens. 

“The day after tomorrow, we will have a retreat so that we can agree on the way to communicate,” Kioni said, adding that the exercise is intended to restore discipline and credibility within the party.

Kioni acknowledged that Jubilee has faced difficulties maintaining a unified voice since the 2022 elections. He attributed this to internal disagreements and alleged attempts by some individuals to take over the party, which he said disrupted its stability and communication. 

“Since we completed the 2022 elections, we have been on a journey, and I know the challenges we have been facing in the Jubilee Party,” he noted, claiming that efforts to seize control of the party “illegally” had worsened the situation.

His remarks followed a warning from Uhuru during a grassroots meeting in Murang’a last Friday. The former president criticised divisive language from party officials and cautioned Kioni against making personal attacks online. 

“And you, Kioni, I want to warn you about what you have been saying on social media, abusing Gachagua and others. I don’t want to witness that again. I will not tolerate abuse from others in my party,” Uhuru said. 

He urged members to express their opinions respectfully and avoid comments that could undermine party unity. Jubilee is currently seeking to rebuild its identity and cohesion after internal disputes weakened its position following the last election.