Former Higher Education Assistant Minister Kilemi Mwiria has ditched President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee Party.
Mwiria, the President's adviser on education said he would make known his new party by Friday. He has declared his interest to vie for Meru governor seat in the forthcoming August general elections.
Speaking during an interview on a local radio station on Tuesday, Mwiria expressed doubt that Jubilee would hold free and fair nominations in Meru County.
"I will announce the party on which I will vie for governor by Friday. My supporters have advised me that I am likely to be rigged out if I go through Jubilee Party. I am in talks with several parties that are friendly to the president," Mwiria said.
The former Tigania East MP said the formation of an outfit dubbed Kikali, within JP, is a threat to party democracy. The outfit brings together Senator Kiraitu Murungi and MPs Mithika Linturi (Igembe South) and Florence Kajuju (Meru Woman Representative).
Mwiria said Kikali had created an unfair playground within the party causing him to lose trust in the impending primaries.
The gubernatorial aspirant also complained that he was not given enough time to raise his concerns before President Kenyatta when he visited the county last week. During the tour to mobilise voter registration, Mwiria said he had lost confidence in Jubilee Party in Meru.
“I have no problem with the Jubilee party led by President Kenyatta, but there is a problem with Jubilee team in Meru,” Mwiria said before the President at Kaaga Primary School.
He will battle for the county top seat with the incumbent Governor Peter Munya, Senator Kiraitu Murungi and a businessman Mwenda Mbijiwe.