Jubilee Party has responded to the latest political defections in Nairobi, saying some of the officials who have announced their departure had already been suspended months earlier over alleged misconduct, mismanagement and interference with party affairs.
The response came a day after Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and several Nairobi political figures announced their decision to leave Jubilee and join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i said the departures should be viewed in light of the disciplinary action already taken against some of those involved.
“Yesterday’s developments in Nairobi, including the announcement by some individuals of their departure from Jubilee Party, should be understood in their proper political context,” the party said.
Matiang’i Reveals Why Some Jubilee Officials Were Suspended
According to the party, the officials were suspended several months ago after complaints over their conduct and management of party affairs.
The party cited alleged misconduct, mismanagement of party affairs and what it described as persistent interference with established party structures and processes.
Jubilee also said it had received complaints over alleged attempts by some individuals to solicit money from aspirants.
“Such practices have no place in Jubilee Party,” the party said.
Matiang’i maintained that the disciplinary measures were not political retaliation but were intended to protect its structures, members, and the process through which aspirants and leaders are handled.
The response comes as Gachagua’s DCP seeks to expand its presence in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 General Election.
On Tuesday, Hassan was received into DCP, with the former Deputy President using the occasion to announce an aggressive plan to field candidates across Nairobi’s constituencies and wards.
The movement has put renewed attention on the battle for Nairobi, where established political parties are seeking to secure support ahead of the 2027 polls.
Jubilee Dismisses Mass Defection Claims
Jubilee rejected the suggestion that the latest departures represented a wider movement of its supporters.
The party said some individuals had for a long time operated outside its political programmes, structures and collective decisions despite holding positions or securing elective seats on its ticket.
It argued that what was being described as a sudden defection was, in some cases, simply the formal announcement of political positions that had already become clear
“There are individuals who, despite holding positions or securing elective office under the Jubilee banner, have increasingly operated outside the party’s political programs, structures and collective decisions,” the party said.
Jubilee also warned against portraying the departure of individual politicians as the departure of the party’s wider membership.
The party said its ticket represented the support of a broader political movement and should not be treated as a personal vehicle for individual political ambitions.
Those who choose to join other parties, Jubilee said, are free to do so under the Constitution, but their decision should not be taken as evidence that Jubilee members, supporters or Nairobi voters have moved with them.
Also Read: Matiang’i Reveals Why He and Kalonzo Are Staying Off the Campaign Trail
Matiang’i’s Party Shifts Focus to Grassroots
Rather than engage in a prolonged public exchange with the defectors, Jubilee said it would concentrate on rebuilding its structures.
The party said it had already started renewing its grassroots organization and plans to strengthen its presence at ward, constituency and county levels.
It also plans to engage members and identify leaders who are willing to work consistently with the party as it prepares for the 2027 election.
“Our responsibility is much bigger, to rebuild, reorganize and strengthen the party from the grassroots upwards,” Jubilee said.
Nairobi has been placed at the centre of that strategy.
The party said the capital’s voters were increasingly concerned about issues affecting their daily lives, including the cost of living, jobs, opportunities for young people, affordable housing, security, transport and access to public services.
Jubilee also listed accountable county government and dignity for residents among the issues it intends to focus on as it rebuilds its support in the city.
Also Read: Kamukunji MP Ditches Jubilee, Joins Gachagua’s DCP
2027 Battle Takes Shape
The latest political movements have added another layer to the contest among opposition parties seeking to establish themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua has been positioning DCP for a wider presence in Nairobi, while Jubilee is seeking to retain and rebuild its support under Matiang’i’s leadership. The latest defections have therefore become an early test of the parties’ ability to hold their political networks together.
Jubilee, however, said it would not allow individual political movements to divert it from its preparations for the next election.
The party said the 2027 contest would be determined by organizations with structures on the ground, credible candidates and the ability to address voters’ concerns rather than by social media exchanges or political theatrics.
“We are not interested in politics driven by personalities alone,” the party said.
It instead wants to build what it described as a disciplined, competitive and accountable political organization rooted in local communities.
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