Aspiring candidates within the Jubilee Party have reached out to party leader Uhuru Kenyatta, demanding a clear explanation for the surprise selection of former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i as the 2027 presidential candidate. These members worry that the party leadership sidelined other qualified contenders by skipping standard internal processes.
In a letter dated March 3, 2026, the group calling itself the Jubilee Aspirants Forum 2027 warned that the mystery surrounding Matiang’i’s endorsement has sparked frustration and confusion among the party’s rank and file.
The forum’s Acting Convenor, Ngunjiri Wambugu, laid out several pointed questions in the letter:
“I seek a substantive and definitive response on the Party’s presidential candidature for the 2027 General Election. Whether Dr Matiangi is the party’s sole and exclusive presidential candidate; If so, the basis upon which that decision was reached; Whether there exists room within the party constitution and democratic framework for other qualified members to challenge for the presidential ticket,” reads the letter by Ngunjiri Wambugu, Acting Convenor of the Jubilee Aspirants Forum.
He added:
“Whether members who may have reservations about Dr. Matiang i’s leadership style and capacity are permitted, within party rules, to propose and support an alternative candidate.”
Wambugu is also pushing for details on whether the Jubilee Party has entered into any new political pacts that might affect the 2027 race. He is demanding that the party disclose how these agreements were made and how they benefit the party’s long-term goals and values.
Concerns Over “Zoning” and Strategy
The aspirants want a clear picture of the party’s roadmap to avoid wasting their own time and money. Wambugu is particularly concerned about “zoning”, the practice where political parties agree not to compete against each other in specific regions.
“I respectfully seek clarification on whether there exists any formal or informal agreement between the Jubilee Party and any other political party in Kenya regarding zoning, reservation, or allocation of specific electoral areas or positions ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” he said.
He pointed out that candidates at the ward, constituency, and county levels need this information now.
“It is critical for aspirants and grassroots organisers planning to run for elective positions at ward, constituency or county level to know whether there have been negotiated arrangements with other parties on this issue to avoid a situation where an aspirant invests time and resources campaigning in an area already ceded to another party,” Wambugu said.
He noted that the party has a responsibility to explain the legal and constitutional basis for these decisions.
Wambugu argued that open communication would prevent unnecessary friction within the party.
“Clear communication on this matter will enable aspirants to plan their campaigns with certainty, manage expectations among supporters, and avoid unnecessary internal friction arising from perceived or undisclosed agreements,” Wambugu said.
Concerns Over Visibility and Funding
Ngunjiri Wambugu
The aspirants also pointed to a noticeable lack of Jubilee Party branding at recent political events. They noted that the absence of basics like t-shirts and caps has led people to believe the party might be running out of money.
“There is growing concern about the apparent absence of adequate Jubilee Party branding during recent political engagements and public events. The lack of party-branded merchandise such as t-shirts and caps has created the perception that the party may either be financially constrained or, more troublingly, that certain regions have been informally ceded or zoned out to other political formations, which would greatly diminish Jubilee’s hard-won political footprint in Kenya,” Wambugu said.
Wambugu added that this lack of visibility has deeply unsettled those planning to run for office under the Jubilee banner. He insisted that Jubilee must protect its internal democracy, warning that long-serving members are becoming increasingly dissatisfied.
He noted that members who have spent years sacrificing for the party feel deeply frustrated. Wambugu argued that it is unacceptable to undermine Jubilee’s legacy by making decisions that seem to favor specific individuals or outside groups at the expense of the party’s own strength.
“This is because there is deep frustration among members who have sacrificed greatly for the Party over the years. It is unacceptable for Jubilee’s legacy and institutional strength to be undermined by decisions perceived as supporting individuals or formations that may be weakening the Party, or aspirants seeking to run on its ticket.”
Wambugu reminded the leadership that many members remember the hard work it took to build and defend the party, and they expect the same level of commitment in return. He clarified that calling for accountability and open debate is a sign of a healthy democracy, not a sign of rebellion.
To address these concerns, Wambugu announced the launch of the Jubilee Aspirants Forum 2027. This new group aims to:
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Coordinate Efforts: Help aspirants work together to promote the party.
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Lobby for Fairness: Ensure the 2027 nomination process is transparent and reflects what members actually want.
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Maintain Dialogue: Provide the party leadership with regular updates to keep everyone aligned.
“The objective of the Jubilee Aspirants Forum is to strengthen internal democracy, enhance preparedness, and ensure that the nomination processes are fair, transparent, and reflective of the will of the membership,” he said.
Wambugu concluded by requesting a formal written response from the party leadership to clarify their official stance on these urgent matters.
