The Jubilee Party has confirmed it will not be fielding a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, opting instead to support the joint opposition nominee.

Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge, on Friday, September 12, 2025, said the National Executive Council (NEC), chaired by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, has not endorsed a move to field a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, in a move that underscores Jubilee’s focus on coalition unity ahead of the November 27, 2025, polls.

The seat fell vacant following the appointment of Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development in March 2025.

Party clarifies position

Pauline Njoroge moved to quash growing speculation that Jubilee had settled on a candidate to square it out with other aspirants.

“As the Deputy Organizing Secretary of the Jubilee Party, I wish to set the record straight,” she wrote on Facebook.

“The National Executive Council (NEC), which is chaired by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, has not issued nomination papers to any aspirant for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.”

She added that Jubilee’s strategy was to rally behind the broader opposition. “The Jubilee Party will not be fielding a candidate in this race. Instead, we will stand firmly behind the joint opposition candidate. Take this to the bank, and treat all other claims as pure hearsay,” she stated.

Uhuru’s leadership in Jubilee

The clarification comes as Jubilee rebuilds under Kenyatta’s stewardship. On August 5, 2025, the former president chaired the party’s first NEC meeting since a High Court ruling restored his leadership, with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) affirming the decision. That meeting reviewed party affairs and mapped out strategies to strengthen grassroots structures.

A Special National Delegates Conference (NDC) has since been called for September 26, 2025, at the Jockey Club, Ngong Racecourse. The meeting is expected to finalise leadership matters and streamline the party’s strategic direction as Jubilee positions itself for the 2027 elections.

Heated contest ahead

Meanwhile, the Mbeere North race has intensified, with the Democratic Party’s Newton Karish receiving backing from former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. DCP’s Evurore MCA Duncan Mbui defected to Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) after accusing his party of sidelining him.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled nominations for early October, with voting set for November 27, 2025. Jubilee’s absence in the contest is expected to consolidate opposition strength in Embu County.