The Jubilee Party, led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has announced that it will not field a candidate in the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election. Instead, the party will support the Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Newton Karish.
Pauline Njoroge, Jubilee’s Deputy Organising Secretary, made the announcement on September 12. She said the move is aimed at promoting unity among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“The Jubilee Party will not be fielding a candidate in this race. Instead, we will support the joint opposition candidate,” Njoroge said.
NEC Did Not Nominate Any Candidate
Njoroge also dismissed claims that Jubilee’s National Executive Council (NEC) had issued nomination papers to any candidate.
“As the Deputy Organizing Secretary of the Jubilee Party, I wish to clarify. The NEC, chaired by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, has not issued nomination papers to any aspirant for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election,” she stated.
DCP Withdraws and Backs Allied Parties
Earlier, on September 10, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Party of Kenya (DCP) announced it would withdraw from three by-elections, including Mbeere North. The party said it would instead support candidates from allied opposition parties.
Gachagua explained that the decision is meant to strengthen opposition unity. For Mbeere North, the DCP is backing Newton Karish, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the DP.
Key Candidates in the Race
The by-election will see Newton Karish face UDA’s Leonard Muriuki and Duncan Mbui. Mbui, originally a DCP candidate, left the party to run under Moses Kuria’s Chama cha Kazi.
The seat became vacant after former DP MP Geoffrey Ruku was appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto.
Opposition Strategy Beyond Mbeere North
The DCP also pledged to support Wiper in the Muumbuni Ward by-election and DAP-K in Kabuchai/Chwele Ward in Bungoma County. This shows a broader strategy to consolidate opposition support ahead of 2027.
With Jubilee’s endorsement, Karish gains a strong advantage in the race, highlighting shifting alliances in Kenya’s political landscape.
