Jubilee party springs back to life, plots to recapture power in 2027

Former ruling party Jubilee has launched a nationwide campaign in preparation for the next general election.

Secretary general Jeremiah Kioni met university students and party members in Kandara constituency in Murang’a on Saturday, saying the party is keen on recapturing power in 2027.

The party has been embroiled in wrangles since 2023 when a section of members led by MPs Sabina Chege and Kanini Kega staged a revolt as they sought to take over its leadership.

Chege was appointed party leader while Kega took the secretary general position, sparking a long battle between them and former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies led by Kioni.

In November last year, Justice Janet Mulwa dismissed a petition seeking the removal of Kioni and David Murathe as the party secretary general and vice chairperson respectively.

Following the win, Kioni said Jubilee will now resume plans to undertake grassroots activities aimed at popularising the party.

He said the party is keen on fielding candidates in all positions in the next elections, expressing confidence that it will regain its former political strength.

He however said that Jubilee has no set presidential candidate and that it is open to working with like-minded outfits.

“Our presidential candidate is ‘Ruto Must Go’ because in 2027, it will not be a matter of whether William Ruto will be re-elected but who will take over from him. “All other opposition parties must have that as their presidential candidate, too. This is why we have started holding meetings as a party to ensure we are strong as we move forward”.

Kioni lauded youthful members of the party for leading its activities in the counties, saying the youth hold a huge potential in changing the political terrain in the country. 

He backed calls by youths to have June 25, 2024 commemorated in remembrance of of youths killed during the Gen Z protests.