The Birth Of Jubilee Alliance

BY SAMWEL BORN MAINA
SATURDAY, 12 JANUARY, 2013

The idea of forming the Jubilee alliance was conceived after the collapse of the G7 alliance that had brought together Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, William Ruto, Eugene Wamalwa, Uhuru Kenyatta, Najib Balala,  Charity Ngilu and Kiraitu Murungi.  A public rally in Nakuru officially unveiled the Jubilee alliance as Ruto and Kenyatta pledged to work together.

During its formative days, the Jubilee alliance big wigs Kenyatta and Ruto wooed UDF’s Musalia Mudavadi in haste as the deadline for political parties to enter into coalitions was fast approaching. At the twilight of December 4^th last year, a deal was signed that would see Mudavadi become Jubilee’s presidential aspirant after Kenyatta promised to drop his bid. Ruto would firmly secure the running mate position. A deliberate plan was drawn that would be used to popularize the Jubilee alliance especially in Western Kenya.

This political merger would later face hurdles after the TNA delegates rejected the deal saying they were not consulted forcing Uhuru to make a hasty retreat which spelt death to the gentleman’s agreement after Mudavadi refused to incorporate delegates of the constituent parties to choose Jubilee’s flag bearer.

At a press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto said Mudavadi would pursue his ambitions without the involvement of the Jubilee alliance. Uhuru would later be endorsed by the national delegates conference in Kasarani in December 23 with a resolve to reconcile the country.

Mudavadi, who was opposed to the delegates system of choosing presidential flag bearer while in the Jubilee alliance and ODM was appointed by delegates at the Bomas of Kenya when he formed the Amani coalition which is widely seen as a third force.

Uhuru, who is making his second stab at the presidency, has prioritized uniting and reconciling the communities throughout the country.