After weathering turbulence, Jubilee Party is strapped in for first-class takeoff on Saturday, unveiling its eight-story, high-security headquarters in Pangani and ensuring all systems are go.
The three-day launch from Thursday through Saturday, involving more than 123,000 delegates has been reported to cost at least Sh2 billion. Insiders scoff, calling the figure too high, without elaborating.
There will be a drama of defections from the opposition:
Yesterday, National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale disclosed that five governors and more than 35 Cord MPs will defect to the Jubilee Party on Saturday during the National Delegates Conference at Kasarani.
Speaking at Parliament Buildings, Duale said JP will welcome Governors Salim Mvurya (ODM Kwale), Hussein Dado, (Wiper Tana River), Issa Timamy (UDF Lamu), Simon Kachapin, (Kanu West Pokot) and Ukur Yatani (ODM (Marsabit).
Duale said 35 MPs and senators from Cord affiliates will defect on the same day.
"We expect a number of our brothers and sisters from Coast, Kisii and parts of Western regions to join us. Our essence is to make sure that jubilee is a party for all Kenyans," he said.
Expert comment: Jubilee’s grand scheme of political inclusion is shaping up
President Uhuru Kenyatta will be setting the tone for his re-election campaign as he launches the mega party at Kasarani. It is to be an amalgamation of 13 affiliate outfits.
His "Tuko Pamoja" campaign message — branded everywhere, from buildings to 47 leased SUVs to T-shirts — emphasises the unity of Kenyans "moving together to achieve development and transformation".
The President is closely following events in the run-up to the celebration to ensure everyone and every event follow the script and echo the unity theme.
On Thursday, affiliate parties merging into the Jubilee Party will fold up at the Bomas of Kenya and Kasarani Stadium.
Merger issues have arisen with Ford People and the Party of National Unity (PNU). Parties also had been squabbling over numbers of attending delegates who will decide the 21 powerful interim JP officials. However, major problems appear to have been resolved.
On Friday, delegates from various parties will ratify the instruments of the new party at Kasarani.
Deputy President William Ruto will be the keynote speaker.
The President is expected to visit JP headquarters in Pangani area on Thika road on Friday, before attending a dress rehearsal at Kasarani.
In 2012, on the eve of TNA's launch, the President visited the KICC venue where he tested the teleprompter and public address system.
Yesterday Uhuru's speech writers were busy crafting the message. The first draft was expected on his desk last night.
"In 2012, the President asked Kenyans to believe in him and his party TNA. On joining up with DP Ruto, they promised Kusema and Kutenda. Tuko Pamoja signifies not only unity but also that we are still walking together on this journey to transform Kenya. This is the message we will be echoing," a highly placed Jubilee source said.
Since Sunday night, party enthusiasts have widely shared on social media the new party headquarters, as well as 47 mostly red Toyota Prado vehicles branded with the party colours and logo. That's just half the fleet; the rest is expected by the end of the year.
The Star has established party sponsors already have paid half the rent for the headquarters' five-year lease.
Contractors have been working overtime to furnish the building and instal security. It will be the nerve centre for Uhuru's 2017 campaign and party business.
Staff based at the Thika Road campaign headquarters include political strategists, data analysts, researchers and call centre staff providing real-time updates to State House and supporters.
A strict set of security protocols are in place because of the sensitive information flowing through the centre.
The building will contain one of the three national tally centres Uhuru and his team will use to returns next year.
The show of might is nothing new for Uhuru and follows his 2013 campaign when the Jubilee coalition spent billions of shillings. It used more than 30, four-wheel drive vehicles and six choppers branded in TNA and Ruto's URP colours.
It is estimated Jubilee spent Sh200 million to launch the coalition at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru in 2012 and its manifesto in Nairobi in 2013.
Proposed interim officials
Even as the party puts together an elaborate launch plan, releases details and shows off its headquarters, the list of 21 JP interim officials is a closely guarded secret.
Insiders say secrecy is necessary to avoid fallout if affiliate parties feel shortchanged by the dominant two outfits — TNA and URP.
The JP steering committee has presented the Uhuru and Ruto a list of proposed officials, with its co-chairman Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, the interim chairman.
He is to be deputised by his co-chair on the steering committee, former minister Noah Wekesa, Taita Taveta MP Naomi Shabaan and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.
Nominated MP and TNA chairman Johnson Sakaja is proposed for interim secretary general.
Proposed as his deputies are Kilifi MP Gideon Mung'aro, nominated Senator Beatrice Elachi and TNA secretary General Onyango Oloo.
The Star has also learnt Mukurwe-Ini MP Kabando wa Kabando has been proposed as organising secretary. He is to be deputised by UDF chairman Hassan Osman.
Fafi MP Bare Shill is proposed for treasurer, with Mumias MP Ben Washiali the deputy Treasurer.