Jubilee Party Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has responded to the latest political developments in Nairobi, dismissing claims that the departure of several officials represents a major loss of support for the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i said Jubilee respects the constitutional right of individuals to choose their political affiliations but insisted that the circumstances surrounding the Nairobi departures needed to be placed in the correct political context.
His statement followed the announcement by several Nairobi politicians and Jubilee officials that they had left the party to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The group included Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan Abdi and a number of Jubilee officials and leaders from Nairobi constituencies.
However, Matiang’i said some of those presenting themselves as recent Jubilee defectors had already been suspended by the party several months ago.
He cited alleged misconduct, mismanagement of party affairs and persistent interference with established party structures and processes as some of the reasons behind the disciplinary action.
“The disciplinary measures taken against them were therefore not political retaliation, but necessary steps to protect the integrity of the Party, its members, its structures and the democratic processes,” Matiang’i said.
He also raised allegations that the party had received complaints concerning attempts to solicit money from political aspirants, saying such conduct was inconsistent with Jubilee’s principles and leadership standards.
Matiang’i argued that the latest political moves should therefore not be interpreted as a sudden mass departure from Jubilee.
According to him, some individuals had for some time been operating outside Jubilee’s political programmes, structures and collective decisions despite holding positions or securing elective offices on the party’s ticket.
He maintained that the Jubilee ticket represented the confidence of the party’s membership and should not be regarded simply as a vehicle for individual political ambitions.
“Those who have chosen to pursue other political formations are free to do so, but they should not be allowed to create the impression that their departure represents the departure of Jubilee members, supporters or the Nairobi electorate as a whole,” he said.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary said Jubilee would now concentrate on rebuilding its grassroots structures rather than engaging in political exchanges over defections.
He said the party was strengthening its presence at ward, constituency and county levels while engaging members and identifying leaders committed to working consistently within the party.
Matiang’i said Nairobi would be central to the party’s renewal strategy as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
He identified the cost of living, youth employment, affordable housing, security, transport, access to public services and accountability in county government as some of the issues Jubilee intends to place at the centre of its Nairobi campaign.
The Jubilee deputy leader also cautioned against placing too much emphasis on political movements driven by personalities.
He argued that the 2027 election would be determined by parties with strong grassroots organisations, credible candidates and leaders capable of addressing voters’ concerns.
Matiang’i said Jubilee would continue welcoming new members, professionals, aspirants, community leaders, women, young people and entrepreneurs as it seeks to strengthen its political base.
He said the party's immediate priority was to rebuild, reorganise and prepare credible candidates rather than focus on individual defections.
“Jubilee is choosing to build,” Matiang’i said, signalling the party’s intention to make grassroots mobilisation and organisational renewal a central part of its preparations for 2027.
The statement comes as political parties intensify mobilisation across Nairobi and other parts of the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, with emerging alliances expected to reshape the city’s political landscape.