This archive report was first published on 1 September 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration is facing internal turmoil as Deputy President William Ruto's camp pushes for control of the Jubilee Party.
According to records at the Registrar of Political Parties, David Murathe, the party's vice-chairman, has not resigned as previously reported. His purported resignation was meant to deceive those calling for it.
Murathe's declaration of opposition to a Ruto presidency in January sparked controversy, and he was accused of working to undermine Ruto's chances of succeeding Kenyatta.
However, those loyal to Ruto believe they have the numbers in the party's branches across the country and are keen to replace secretary-general Raphael Tuju, who is also a Cabinet minister without portfolio.
On November 7, the party will field a candidate in the Kibra by-election, a move that has exposed internal conflicts within the party.
As the party's top leadership struggles for control, Ruto's strategists are reportedly registering an alternative vehicle, the Jubilee Republican Party, in case of a split.
Those from Central Kenya, Kenyatta's backyard, are understood to be securing a political vehicle to enter into an alliance with leaders from other regions ahead of the 2022 elections.
