NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 6 – The Jubilee Party on Tuesday said it had no apologies to make over its high-end preparations for the grand launch of its party on Saturday.
According to The National Alliance (TNA) party Chairman Johnson Sakaja, the budget set aside for the launch of the party was within the election and campaign laws and furthermore donations received from affiliate parties and other well-wishers.
“We are adhering to the limits. We have a lot well wishers doing it according to the law – no individual can fund more than 5 percent,” he said.
His comments came as social media became awash with photos showing tens of vehicles branded in Jubilee Party colours that were seen cruising around the city streets on Tuesday afternoon.
“A lot of vehicles have been donated by people who believe in Jubilee’s dream. It is not an extravagant use of resources. It’s an expression of the level that we have reached on political organisation in the country. I don’t think anyone should be apologetic for excellence in organisation or for raising the bar.”
At Pangani, off Thika Super Highway, stands an eight story building screaming in Jubilee Party colours and displaying slogans of unity expressed as ‘Tuko Pamoja’ in Kiswahili.
According to Sakaja, there were plans for the Jubilee flag bearer, President Uhuru Kenyatta to tour the premises that will become the party headquarters for the ruling party.
Inside the offices of members of affiliate parties were holed up in meetings to discuss implementation of agreements of their dissolution and prepare for the National Delegates Conference (NDC) slated for Thursday.
“On Thursday all constituent parties will have their individual NDC. Parties already passed resolutions at the National Executive Council (NEC) level to merge but final decisions will be made by each of the 12 parties’ delegates to make sure they are bonafide delegates,” Sakaja explained.
During the 12 meetings that will be held at different locations including Bomas of Kenya and Kasarani National Stadium, parties will work with the Registrar of Political Parties.
On Friday, Deputy President William Ruto will lead all delegates from the 12 parties to affirm the resolution of forming a new party (Jubilee), the party’s constitution, nomination rules and a list of new party officials.
President Kenyatta will headline the Saturday event which will mark the unity of the 12 parties all dissolved into one unit – the Jubilee Party.
“It will be a national celebration of the birth of a new dawn in the politics of our country. It is open to every Kenyan. There will be a lot of fanfare, a lot of recounting of the journey that Jubilee has gone through and looking forward to the future.”
Sakaja said about 100,000 delegates were expected to attend the public event that will be held at Kasarani National Stadium.
The launch was Jubilee’s plan that the party prepares early enough for the 2017 August General Election to give a chance to voters to get fully involved in the entire election process other than only at the voting stage.
Early preparation, Sakaja opined will also encourage democratic political competition that will focus on issues other than scramble for political seats.
“We are setting the pace, we have set standards for this country and for the region to show that we can have credible politics that are about issues and devoid of tribe. We will have a free and fair nomination process guided by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” Sakaja said.
