Jubilee Party deputy organizing secretary Pauline Njoroge has offered a detailed assessment of Thursday’s by-elections, crediting key opposition figures with securing notable wins despite what she described as a difficult operating environment.
In a statement posted on X, she argued that the results demonstrated organisational strength across the United Opposition, even as candidates faced state pressure, intimidation, and bribery.
Njoroge highlighted the role of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, saying he confronted intense state involvement during the contest in Mbeere North.
She noted that Gachagua’s emerging party, the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), managed to take three ward seats spread across Nairobi, Narok, and Kakamega—an outcome she framed as significant for a newly formed political outfit.
The wins come at a time when several political parties are restructuring ahead of the 2027 polls, with coalitions actively defining their bases and messaging.
She also pointed to former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, commending what she termed his “precision and effectiveness” in the Nyamira contests.
According to Njoroge, the region delivered three victories under Matiang’i’s influence, reinforcing his reputation as a dependable figure in opposition mobilisation.
Nyamira has historically been competitive ground, with shifting alignments shaping outcomes in both national and local elections.
Kalonzo Musyoka’s performance featured prominently in her remarks, with Njoroge noting that he secured a seat in Machakos and mounted a strong showing in Magarini.
She added that DCP’s second-place finish in Magarini signalled growing traction in coastal counties, where voter patterns often diversify depending on local dynamics and party alliances.
Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya was also praised for his involvement in the Kakamega region, where Njoroge said he secured a ward victory in Malava, traditionally considered part of Moses Wetang’ula’s political stronghold.
The contest was marked by tense incidents reported across several polling areas, reflecting the heightened stakes that often define Western Kenya by-elections.
Njoroge used the statement to urge opposition parties to begin early preparations for the 2027 elections, emphasising the need for discipline, message cohesion, and structured coordination.
She warned that internal divisions could erode the momentum observed in the by-elections and advised leaders to align their political agendas with the daily realities facing citizens.
Addressing supporters from Mt. Kenya, she encouraged honest reflection on political engagement, referencing a local proverb about the tradition of not “burying an elephant with its tusks.”
She suggested that residents reassess the motivations behind attending rival party meetings, urging a more candid conversation within the region’s political circles.
Njoroge’s remarks mark one of the first broad opposition analyses of the by-election outcomes, signalling an early push toward coalition-building and strategic planning ahead of 2027.