This archive report was first published on 3 July 2019.
Former President Mwai Kibaki's son, Jimmy Kibaki, has denied any involvement with the New Democratic Party (NDP) after its officials dragged his name into the party's registration and launch.
According to family spokesperson Ngari Gituku, Jimmy Kibaki was not part of the NDP's registration and launch, and the officials' statements linking him to the party should be ignored as 'idle street talk.'
Gituku told Kenyans to treat the officials' statements as mere gossip, saying, 'From the horse's own mouth. Talk about Jimmy Kibaki registering a new political party is loose and idle street talk. Kindly ignore.'
The NDP's deputy national organising secretary, Muiga Rugara, had sent a text inviting members and media to attend a press conference at a Nairobi hotel where Jimmy Kibaki was expected to launch the party.
However, NDP chairman Thuo Mathenge revealed that the party was founded and registered in 2002, contradicting Rugara's claim that it was new.
Mathenge also stated that the party officials were in talks with Jimmy Kibaki and other leaders to support its activities, saying, 'We are in talks with Jimmy, Jimmy Wanjigi and others to see how they can help us build the party.'
Mathenge spoke at a Nairobi hotel on Tuesday after meeting the party National Executive Council, expressing confidence in the party's strength and direction.
He called on President Uhuru Kenyatta to work with all political parties ahead of the referendum, saying, 'We are here to calm down political temperatures and support the handshake.'
