Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader (Facebook Photo)
Jubilee Deputy Party Leader, Jeremiah Kioni, says the opposition needs a presidential candidate with the tenacity to implement government policies.
Speaking to Radio Maisha this morning, Kioni explained that the opposition could unanimously agree on great policies for the country. However, it is important that the individual at the top have the mettle to push through with implementation.
Kioni gave the example of the late John Michuki, who streamlined the transport sector when it was a total mess. He said the capacity to implement policies is one reason he prefers Fred Matiang’i over other candidates for presidency.
Jeremiah Kioni answers: Who is the Mt. Kenya Kingpin?
Asked whom the Mt. Kenya Kingpin is, the Jubilee Deputy Party leader did not name an individual. Instead, he explained that a regional “kingpin” is not an official position. He also indicated that the popularity of a leader is often subject to personal opinion.
However, Kioni’s interviewers wanted him to gauge his party leader’s position against that of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In response, Kioni acknowledged that Gachagua has provided great leadership to the opposition since leaving government.
However, he said, it is not easy to speak of the Mt. Kenya Kingpin in comparison to former President Kenyatta. He then proceeded to explain that Uhuru Kenyatta, the Jubilee Party Leader, is above local leadership.
Kioni made the journalists see how difficult it was to compare Kenyatta with other Kenyan leaders, saying he interacts internationally. While the others may be acknowledged locally and nationally, Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership is discussed at global level, he said.
The Jubilee Deputy Party leader was also quick to point out that Uhuru Kenyatta has never declared himself a “kingpin” of any region. Nevertheless, he added, it is obvious how popular he is from the way people respond to him.
Importantly, the Jubilee official said he appreciated the leadership Gachagua has given the opposition in the recent past. He said that although he prefers Fred Matiang’i for president, he still acknowledges Gachagua’s role in guiding today’s opposition politics.
Jeremiah Kioni on Opposition Unity
On Opposition Unity, Jeremiah Kioni confirmed that the Jubilee Party fully supports the unity of opposition parties. He underlined the importance of that unity, saying it is crucial in the effort to remove President Ruto from power.
Then he reiterated the reason he prefers Fred Matiang’i of his Jubilee Party as the next President of Kenya. He said that although people may find Matiang’i strict, Kenya needs that firmness for it to get back on track. He pointed out that Kenya cannot afford populism when Kenyans are hurting economically and otherwise.
Criticism against the Standard Media Group
The first thing Jeremiah Kioni did today when he settled at the Radio Maisha station was to congratulate the Standard. He told the journalists that the Standard Media Group was doing a great job of keeping Kenyans informed.
The Jubilee Deputy Party leader added that it was important that the media continue to inform the nation without fear. Moreover, he said, today’s parliament no longer has a substantive opposition. Hence, the media is the lone institution that can help the Kenyan voter.
Kioni pointed out the importance of having any leadership checked. Hence, with other institutions apparently suppressed, the media and opposition need to be bold enough to take up that role.
Kioni told Radio Maisha that they should anticipate criticism whenever they are highlighting government weaknesses. Fortunately, he added, the 2010 constitution protects the media, ensuring they cannot be gagged.
He said that the constitution, promulgated during President Kibaki’s tenure, is responsible for keeping the media and opposition leaders free. He also said that the same constitution has ensured the opposition in Kenya is still vibrant. Legally, the government has no choice but to respect human rights and freedom of expression.
Recently, communication appeared on social media, purportedly from the President, blasting the Standard Media Group for criticizing him. The harsh communication seemed to be directed first at the media owner, Gideon Moi, son to the late President Moi.
According to Jeremiah Kioni, there is a reason institutions are established to conduct oversight on the government. The reason is to highlight government excesses. For instance, it is within the media’s purview to call out politicians traveling luxuriously as citizens bend under excessive taxation.