The Bomas of Kenya management has denied the former ruling Jubilee Party allied to former President Uhuru Kenyatta access to its venue for its special National Delegates Conference (NDC) on Monday, May 22.
A letter written by Bomas’ Communication and marketing manager Gladys Kang’ethe to Jubilee Acting Executive Director Polycarp Hinga seen and verified by Viral Tea revealed that the closure was pre-planned and not meant to hamper Jubilee’s plans as perceived. In addition, the venue that was being sought after by the NDC is under renovation.
“We refer to the above subject matter and your letter dated 9th May 2023. We thank you for choosing Bomas of Kenya as your preferred venue for your National Delegates Convention scheduled for 22nd May 2023.
“Our Main Auditorium, whose capacity is 2.000 pax, has been scheduled for renovation works from 16th May 2023 for Eight (8) Weeks,” read the letter in part.
It further noted that Bomas was not in a position to hold another meeting as the venues available were booked.
“As you may also be aware, we are currently hosting two Taskforce Committees dealing with known and sensitive matters of National importance while another Client has already booked our other alternative hall.
“In view of the foregoing, we are regrettably unable to host you for your NDC on 22nd May 2023,” added the letter.
The Jubilee Party wing allied to Uhuru on Wednesday, May 17 stated that the NDC would still take place and called out individuals collecting names for the NDC, terming them fraudsters.
“It has come to our attention that there are some nefarious individuals going round purporting to collect names for our NDC. Some are even collecting money from unsuspecting members of the public with a promise to “include them as delegates”.
“Please note that as a party, we are NOT involved in any collection of names or monies ahead of the NDC. Our Jubilee Party Delegates are known to the party and will be invited in a very structured manner. Do not fall for these scams,” stated former MP Jeremiah Kioni.
Uhuru and Jubilee were yet to respond to Bomas’ closure by the time of publishing this article and it was yet to be determined if the party would seek an alternative for the NDC or suspend it altogether.
On April 28, Uhuru called the special NDC to review party policies, which had led to a row between two factions, one allied to Uhuru and the other, to President William Ruto.
The delegates will also formulate party policies which will be expected to form part of the Jubilee Party constitution in the near future. The NDC will also receive a status report from the National Executive Committee as well as consider and approve any other matters.
Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference will also approve new party policies in a bid to quell the tension within the top leadership.
The meeting will also see Uhuru expected to make changes to the party’s membership after a section of its officials ignored his warning to step down.
