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Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje has publicly questioned Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni's motives for criticising Democracy for Citizens' Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting Kioni may be acting on behalf of undisclosed interests.
Embakasi West Member of Parliament Mark Mwenje on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, challenged Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni to disclose the individuals or groups influencing his recent criticisms of opposition leaders. Speaking to the media in Nakuru, Mwenje specifically referenced Kioni's attacks on Democracy for Citizens' Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting these actions indicate Kioni is operating under the direction of "unknown forces."
Mwenje's statements come amidst heightened political activity and realignments within Kenya's political landscape. The Jubilee Party, once the dominant ruling party, has experienced internal divisions and shifts in allegiance, particularly since the 2022 General Election. Jeremiah Kioni has remained a vocal figure within a faction of the Jubilee Party aligned with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, while other members have gravitated towards the current administration or other opposition groupings.
The public challenge from Mwenje underscores potential fractures within the broader opposition, raising questions about unity and strategy as political actors position themselves for future electoral cycles. Such public exchanges can often signal deeper disagreements over leadership, direction, and alliances.
While Mwenje's comments are primarily political, they touch upon the broader implications of political party discipline and the freedom of expression for party officials. The Political Parties Act, 2011, governs the conduct of political parties and their members, including provisions on internal dispute resolution and public statements. However, the current exchange appears to be playing out in the public domain, reflecting the often-informal nature of political discourse in Kenya.
MP Mwenje explicitly stated his belief that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is not behind Kioni's critical remarks, asserting that Kenyatta has not authorised any attacks on opposition figures. This suggests an attempt by Mwenje to insulate the former President from the ongoing political spat, potentially indicating a desire to maintain broader alliances or avoid further fragmentation within the opposition. The Democracy for Citizens' Party, led by Rigathi Gachagua, has not yet issued a formal response to Mwenje's challenge or Kioni's initial criticisms, as of Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
This public dispute risks further widening divisions within the opposition, potentially undermining efforts to present a united front. Such internal conflicts can distract from substantive policy debates and may be perceived by the public as a focus on personality politics rather than national issues. Analysts suggest that these developments could influence near-term public debate and policy execution, with stakeholders urging clarity on timelines, costs, and safeguards related to political processes.
The specific identities of the "unknown forces" Mwenje alluded to remain unverified. Kioni has not yet publicly responded to Mwenje's challenge, leaving his perspective and any potential justifications for his criticisms unclear. The long-term impact of this public disagreement on the unity and strategic direction of the broader opposition remains to be seen.
Observers will be keenly watching for a response from Jeremiah Kioni and the Jubilee Party. The reaction from Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens' Party will also be significant. Further, the implications of this public spat on the broader political alliances and potential realignments ahead of future elections will be a key area of focus.
This development is related to ongoing discussions about political party discipline, opposition unity, and the influence of various political factions within Kenya.
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