Pauline Njoroge lauds opposition performance despite hostile by-elections conditions
By Kiprono Keileb, November 28, 2025Jubilee Party Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge has praised the performance of key United Opposition leaders in the just-concluded by-elections, saying their victories and strong showings came despite an intensely hostile environment.
Her remarks come a day after several hotly contested by-election races across the country saw clashes, heavy security deployment, and accusations of voter bribery and intimidation.
In a statement on Friday, November 28, 2025, Pauline said the leaders carried significant political weight while facing state pressure and other obstacles.
“The leaders of the United Opposition put up an impressive fight in the just-ended by-elections, each carrying a heavy political load under exceptionally difficult conditions,” she stated.
She singled out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s performance, saying he operated at the frontline of what she described as state interference.
“Rigathi Gachagua stood at the frontline, confronting the full force of state machinery deployed in Mbeere North, while his very new party DCP still managed to clinch three ward seats in Narok, Nairobi, and Kakamega,” she stated.
Pauline also credited former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for his efforts in Nyamira County.
“Fred Matiang’i, the man who works with precision and effectiveness that speaks loudly, delivered three seats in Nyamira, proving why he is one of the most dependable anchors in our political landscape,” she stated.
She went on to highlight Kalonzo Musyoka’s gains in Machakos and Magarini, as well as George Natembeya’s performance in Malava.
“Kalonzo Musyoka not only secured a seat in Machakos, but also mounted a remarkable challenge in Magarini, where DCP came in a respectable second with a surprisingly strong showing,” she stated.
“And George Natembeya, who fought tooth and nail in Malava, and also managed to win a ward seat right inside Wetangula’s political bedroom,” she stated.
Pauline said the four leaders’ ability to navigate violence, bribery and intimidation demonstrated their resilience.
“These four leaders navigated violence, voter bribery, intimidation, and the full weight of government influence, yet still emerged with critical wins. Their resilience in such a hostile environment speaks volumes,” she stated.
Call to re-strategise
She then shifted her message to the road ahead, saying the opposition must urgently organise and unify ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The 2027 election is already taking shape, and this moment demands clarity, unity, and strategy,” she stated.
She warned against infighting and urged early preparation.
“It is time to close ranks, strengthen our coordination, build a robust structure and sharpen our message,” she stated.
Finally, she addressed Mt. Kenya voters directly, calling for honest reflection.
“This habit of attending UDA meetings to collect money under the excuse of ‘njogu ndithikaguo na múgúongo’ needs honest reflection,” she stated.
Her remarks add to the growing political conversation on what the by-elections mean for Kenya’s 2027 landscape and the shape of alliances going forward.