Jubilee Party has stepped up efforts to reclaim its political influence in Kiambu County, with parliamentary and county assembly aspirants pledging to rebuild grassroots structures and rally behind its presidential candidate, Fred Matiang’i, ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The party’s renewed mobilisation drive comes amid growing political competition within the United Opposition, where questions have emerged over the influence of individual parties and their ability to command support in traditional strongholds.
During a meeting with Kiambu aspirants at the party’s headquarters, Jubilee National Committee member Kembi Gitura said the party had embarked on a nationwide engagement programme aimed at reassuring candidates and strengthening confidence in its internal electoral processes.
Gitura said aspirants were central to the party’s electoral ambitions and that the leadership wanted to establish direct communication with them before the campaign season gathers momentum.
He gave an assurance that Jubilee nominations would be free, fair, transparent and accountable, saying the party was determined to avoid the divisions that have historically weakened political parties during primary elections.
“We want those who lose in Jubilee nominations to remain in the party and support the candidates who emerge victorious rather than defecting to other parties or contesting as independents,” he said.
Gitura argued that internal democracy would be critical to building a strong political outfit capable of securing substantial representation in Parliament and county assemblies.
He said Jubilee intended to increase the number of its elected representatives, arguing that parliamentary strength would give the party greater influence in shaping national policy and advancing its development agenda.
The former Senate Speaker dismissed suggestions that Jubilee had lost its political relevance, saying continued criticism from political opponents demonstrated that the party remained a factor in the country’s political calculations.
He maintained that the party’s presidential candidate would remain a central figure in the political contest as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.
The meeting also exposed growing concerns among Jubilee aspirants over competition and coordination within the United Opposition, particularly following political activities in Kabete and Limuru, where questions were raised about the visibility and prominence accorded to different coalition partners.
Michael Njenga, who is seeking the Kabete parliamentary seat, said Jubilee was ready to intensify its grassroots mobilisation and reclaim its position in the country’s political landscape.
He dismissed claims that the party was weakening, insisting that the meeting had provided an opportunity for aspirants to consolidate their efforts and prepare for a more aggressive political campaign.
Njenga, however, called for better coordination among opposition parties, warning that rivalry over political prominence, resources and crowds could undermine their shared objective of unseating President William Ruto’s administration.
He said opposition leaders needed a common strategy to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary competition during joint political engagements.
“We are all pursuing one objective, and we cannot achieve it if we keep pulling in different directions. We need better planning and a common strategy as the United Opposition,” he said.
Limuru parliamentary aspirant Keneth Gaichinga said the meeting had resolved to strengthen Jubilee from the grassroots to the national leadership while maintaining support for Matiang’i’s presidential candidature.
He described Kiambu as a crucial political base for the party and said members were determined to prevent the former ruling outfit from losing its identity and organisational influence.
Gaichinga said the party had been relatively quiet as the political environment evolved but was now preparing to return to active mobilisation.
He also criticised President Ruto’s recent remarks in Kisii, arguing that national leaders should promote unity rather than engage in personal attacks against political opponents.
Gaichinga warned that Jubilee would no longer remain passive in coalition engagements where its political presence appeared to be overshadowed by other parties.
He said the party would insist on recognition and respect for its leadership and grassroots structures while maintaining its commitment to peaceful political competition.
Kiambu Woman Representative aspirant Dr Martha Njeri Mbugua said Jubilee was concentrating on voter registration and grassroots mobilisation, expressing confidence that the party retained significant support in the Mt Kenya region.
She dismissed claims that Jubilee had been sold or had ceased to exist, saying former President Uhuru Kenyatta had left the party in capable hands.
Mbugua praised Matiang’i’s leadership approach, describing him as a leader willing to mentor emerging politicians and encourage young people to participate in elective politics.
She said aspirants had a responsibility to engage voters directly, explain the party’s agenda and demonstrate how their individual leadership would address local challenges.
In Karuri Ward, Kiambaa Constituency, MCA aspirant Joseph Ndungu Kimani, popularly known as Coach Kenya, defended Jubilee’s record, urging voters to assess political parties based on their performance in government rather than campaign promises.
He cited the party’s previous administration’s development programmes and Matiang’i’s record in various government ministries as reasons for maintaining confidence in the outfit.
Kimani said Jubilee would seek to revive programmes in education and healthcare, including free education initiatives and the Linda Mama maternity programme, as part of its broader campaign agenda.
He argued that the country needed leadership focused on service delivery, institutional performance and equitable development.
The aspirants’ renewed show of confidence in Jubilee signals an attempt by the former ruling party to reorganise its political machinery in Kiambu, a county whose electoral support will be closely watched as opposition parties position themselves for the 2027 contest.
However, the party faces the dual challenge of rebuilding its grassroots structures and managing relations with other opposition formations while convincing voters that it remains a viable political alternative.
Its promise of credible nominations will also be an early test of whether the party can retain aspirants and avoid the defections that often complicate election campaigns.
