Leadership wars rock Jubilee ahead of key delegates conference

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni (centre) and his Deputy Joseph Manje(right) addressing the media as they welcome former political aspirants from Kisii county and Meru at the Party headquarters ijn Nairobi on February 5, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The former ruling Jubilee Party is embroiled in fresh leadership wrangles over whether to field a candidate in Mbeere North, a move that has compromised its standing within the United Opposition.

The party also faces a crisis regarding a proposal to hand over its leadership to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.

With the Jubilee Special National Delegates Conference set for two weeks from now, tasked with reviewing its constitution, organs, policies, and programmes, there is speculation that former President Uhuru Kenyatta may formally transfer leadership to Matiang'i. Some officials oppose the transition, claiming Matiang'i lacks the clout to propel the party forward. They also accuse Jubilee SecretaryGeneral Jeremiah Kioni of launching attacks on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning that his comments risk destabilising the opposition from within.

Kioni insists Gachagua is ineligible to run for president and accuses him of misleading Kenyans about his eligibility. "If we had civic education, we would understand what being impeached means. Once impeached, you are declared unfit to ever hold public office. You cannot start galvanising people behind you, because the constitution forbids it."

In another controversial matter, a section of Jubilee officials has announced that the party has fielded Jacob Ireri as its candidate for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.

Kirika Githaiga, Jubilee's programmes official, says the party has a candidate, however, Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge contradicts this, claiming Jubilee is supporting the Democratic Party (DP) candidate instead. "Opposition unity is often invoked, but we must evaluate candidates on merit and track record. Why deny a good person the opportunity? Why sacrifice leadership for compromised unity?" Githaiga posed.

Ireri's photo, adorned with images of Uhuru and Matiang'i, has led many to believe the internal deal is already sealed. Njoroge dismissed this, insisting that the National Executive Council (NEC) chaired by Uhuru has not nominated any candidate. "We will not be fielding a candidate in this race. We will stand firmly behind the joint opposition candidate. Treat all other claims as hearsay," she declared.

Ireri, for his part, maintains he remains in the race: "I am destined to be your MP. My aim is to transform Mbeere North socioeconomically through development, democracy and good governance."

"Jubilee chairperson Saitoti Torome appears active in the Opposition, while a faction around Kioni sends different messages. Is Uhuru playing a double game?" asked Njeri Kahiga, Youth League leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

Jubilee's internal wrangles follow its historic move in the last election-backing Raila Odinga under Azimio other than its own candidate. Whether Uhuru will again hand the ticket to an outsider remains uncertain.