Uhuru’s Jubilee Joins Gachagua’s DCP to Back Joint Opposition Candidate in Mbeere North By-Election

Uhuru’s Jubilee Joins Gachagua’s DCP to Back Joint Opposition Candidate in Mbeere North By-Election

In a surprising twist ahead of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee Party has aligned with Rigathi Gachagua’s Democratic Congress Party (DCP) to support a joint opposition candidate. The move signals a renewed push for unity among opposition forces as the country inches closer to the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking after a high-level National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Nairobi, Jubilee Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge confirmed the party’s position.

“The Jubilee Party will not be fielding a candidate in this race. Instead, we will support the joint opposition candidate,” Njoroge announced.

She also dismissed reports that Jubilee had issued nomination papers to an unknown candidate.

“Those claims are false. Our NEC has not issued any nomination papers for this race,” she clarified.

Gachagua, echoing the same sentiment, revealed that DCP would also not field a candidate. Instead, the party will support Newton Karish of the Democratic Party (DP), which previously held the seat.

“This decision aligns with our commitment to opposition unity ahead of 2027,” Gachagua stated.

The Mbeere North seat became vacant after Geoffrey Ruku, elected on a DP ticket, was appointed Public Service Cabinet Secretary by President William Ruto.

Opposition Unity Gains Momentum

The alliance between Jubilee and DCP is part of a broader strategy. DCP also pledged support for the Wiper candidate in the Muumbuni Ward by-election and a DAP-K candidate in Kabuchai/Chwele Ward, Bungoma County.

“We are building a united front. These decisions reflect our shared vision,” Gachagua added.

However, not everyone welcomed the move. Duncan Mbui, who had initially planned to run under DCP, abandoned the party. He will now contest the seat under Moses Kuria’s Chama cha Kazi party.

“I believe in independent leadership. I will run under Chama cha Kazi,” Mbui declared.

A Three-Way Battle Emerges

The race now features Newton Karish (DP), Leonard Muriuki (UDA), and Duncan Mbui (Chama cha Kazi). With Jubilee and DCP backing Karish, the contest promises to be intense.

Political analysts believe this alliance could reshape the opposition’s strategy and influence future coalitions.

“This is more than a by-election. It’s a rehearsal for 2027,” one analyst observed.

As November 27 approaches, voters in Mbeere North will decide not just who represents them—but which political vision they trust.

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Uhuru’s Jubilee Joins Gachagua’s DCP to Back Joint Opposition Candidate in Mbeere North By-Election