Political scientist Gideon Mamboleo has poked holes in the Jubilee merger terming it a ‘short term’ strategy that could work against President Uhuru Kenyatta.
At least 13 parties are expected to dissolve by Saturday after which President Uhuru will officially launch the Jubilee Party which he will use to seek re-election in the 2017 general election.
But Mamboleo has criticised the move saying it may affect Uhuru's representation in Parliament and county assemblies, therefore, affecting his leadership should he be re-elected.
“Working as a coalition would have been better because dissolution of affiliate parties is catastrophic. Strong candidates may be short-changed and opt to move out of the party to run independently or in opposition-affiliated parties,” he said.
“That would affect representation in Parliament and even in county assemblies. Holding nominations will be a tough thing for the Jubilee Party and I foresee mass exodus before the2017 polls. He should have continued to work with the parties on a coalition basis,” he said.
Asked whether the move will have a political impact in the voting dynamics, Mamboleo said it will be insignificant since most of the parties being dissolved have been working with the government.
“Most of these parties have been working with the government. I haven’t seen Opposition parties joining them so I don’t think it will have an impact per se,” Mamboleo added.