This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
On September 11, 2019, a petition was filed before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, seeking to disqualify State officers from holding political party posts.
The petition, filed by Patrick Kabundu, the Mombasa County secretary of Jubilee Party, targets Secretary-General Raphael Tuju.
Tuju, appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta as Chief Administrative Secretary without a portfolio, is categorized as a State officer.
According to Article 77(2) of the Constitution, any appointed State officer shall not hold office in a political party.
Mr. Kabundu argues that Tuju's actions contravene the Constitution, stating, "The officers who had taken the oath of office had sworn to protect the Constitution and that accordingly, they should not be in breach of it. Jubilee leaders have contravened the Constitution by holding a political party post while they are State officers."
The tribunal, comprising Mr. Kyalo Mbobu, Ms. Milly Lwanga, and Dr. Adelaide Mbithi, has given the party 10 days to respond to the issues raised by its member. The matter will be heard on September 27.
