Jubilee Party to back opposition candidate in Mbeere North mini-poll
Her remarks came just a day after the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) withdrew from the Mbeere North by-election and endorsed the Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the November 27 polls.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's party, Jubilee, has thrown its weight behind the opposition candidate in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, a contest that is shaping up to be tightly fought.
On Friday, Jubilee Party announced that it would not field a candidate in the constituency, located in Embu County, but would instead channel its efforts into supporting the joint opposition contender.
More To Read
- Govt plans to scrap repeated fingerprint requirement for clearance certificates
- Raphael Tuju resigns from Uhuru-led Jubilee Party
- Uhuru sets date for special Jubilee delegates meeting
- Uhuru Kenyatta chairs first NEC meeting since regaining control of Jubilee
- MPs push to review controversial tax exemption granted to Kenyatta and Moi estates
- UDA holds unity retreat as nine aspirants jostle for Mbeere North mini-poll ticket
Pauline Njoroge, the Jubilee Party’s Deputy Organising Secretary, told the Eastleigh Voice that the decision was reached by the party’s top decision-making organ after careful consideration. The seat fell vacant following Geoffrey Ruku’s appointment to the Cabinet.
“As the Deputy Organising Secretary of the Jubilee Party, I wish to set the record straight. The National Executive Council (NEC), chaired by Uhuru Kenyatta, has not issued nomination papers to any aspirant for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election,” Njoroge said.
She dismissed reports suggesting Jubilee might field a candidate. “The Jubilee Party will not be fielding a candidate in this race. Instead, we will stand firmly behind the joint opposition candidate. Take this to the bank, and treat all other claims as pure hearsay.”
Her remarks came just a day after the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) withdrew from the Mbeere North by-election and endorsed the Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the November 27 polls.
In a statement issued at party headquarters on Wednesday, party leader Rigathi Gachagua said the decision was driven by the need to build cordial relations with like-minded partners within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term,” Gachagua said.
“This decision has also been informed by the recognition that Justin Muturi, leader of the Democratic Party, is a respected leader from that region with the capacity and qualities to guide the Democratic Party to victory.”
The Mbeere North seat fell vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, the incumbent MP, was appointed to the Cabinet by President William Ruto on March 26, 2025, to head the Public Service docket.
DCP’s withdrawal followed shortly after its candidate, Duncan Mbui, quit the party and declared he would contest the seat as an independent.
In a social media post on Saturday, September 6, Mbui accused DCP of being a “members’ club.”
“I have been watching closely the goings-on at the DCP and have concluded that it is a members’ club within the so-called United Opposition,” he wrote. “The club has decided not to field a candidate in Mbeere North, which I view as a deliberate attempt to kill my ambition and that of the KivuiKivui fraternity (his campaign slogan meaning a mallet).”
“As a result, we have decided to go independent… We have always been independent and shall win as independent,” he added.
Meanwhile, Gachagua announced that DCP would also support the Wiper Party candidate in Muguuni ward (Machakos) and the DAP-K candidate in Kapchai/Chwele ward (Bungoma).
However, he clarified that these consensus agreements only apply to the upcoming by-elections. In 2027, he said, DCP intends to field candidates for all elective seats — from the presidency to county assemblies.
“For all other elective positions, DCP shall field and mobilise fully to campaign, popularise and seek votes under our party ticket,” Gachagua said.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled 16 ward by-elections, along with parliamentary by-elections in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North and Ugunja constituencies, as well as a senatorial by-election in Baringo County, all set for November 27.
Top Stories Today
