Drama as Jubilee withdraws from Mbeere North by-election
In a dramatic twist to the Mbeere North by-election, Jubilee Party candidate Jacob Ireri Mbao has suffered a major setback.
The Party, in a letter that Mbao confirmed receiving three days ago, has decided not to field a candidate in the upcoming race, effectively withdrawing its support for Mbao.
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Instead, Jubilee has pledged its backing to the Democratic Party’s candidate, Newton Karish, as the sole candidate supported by the United Opposition bloc. This decision is likely to shift the political landscape in the region, and Mbao now faces the difficult choice of whether to continue his pursuit or pivot to a new path.
The letter, signed by Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, laid bare the party’s reasoning.
“We sincerely regret to inform you that the Jubilee Party is unable to issue a nomination certificate at this time. This decision arises from a resolution made by the United Opposition under the leadership of H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka and Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, among others, to field a single candidate under the Democratic Party in the Mbeere North by-election scheduled for 27th November 2025,” the letter read.
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While the letter conveyed regret for any inconvenience caused to the candidate, it emphasised the party’s commitment to the united opposition effort, which includes backing the DP candidate as their preferred choice. Mbao, who has been a steadfast supporter of Jubilee, expressed his disappointment but took the high road.
In a reply through a WhatsApp message about the development, he said, “It is well with what the party has decided,” adding that he would chart a new course in the coming week. His calm demeanour masked the deep blow to his political aspirations.
Mbao met up with CS Ruku.
Despite the setback, Mbao, who is deaf, has remained a formidable figure in the race. His candidacy was initially seen as a chance for Jubilee to assert its presence in the region, but the sudden shift in party strategy leaves him at a crossroads.
However, the plot thickens. Sources have revealed that Mbao met with Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs, Geoffrey Ruku, yesterday in a private meeting that lasted for about an hour.
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This meeting is fueling speculation that Mbao may be on the verge of endorsing UDA candidate Leonard Muthende for the by-election.
The implications of such a move would be a boost for Muthende’s campaign. Ruku, who is a significant political figure in the region, is seen as a potential kingmaker. If Mbao decides to throw his weight behind Muthende, it could provide the UDA candidate with a major boost in the race.
Given Mbao’s influence among local voters, his endorsement could swing a significant portion of the electorate toward Muthende, potentially cementing his bid to succeed Ruku in the Mbeere North Parliamentary seat.
The meeting between Mbao and Ruku has left many questioning whether the two have struck a political deal. Some insiders suggest that Mbao, despite the Jubilee blow, might be positioning himself for a key role in Muthende’s campaign, strengthening the UDA’s hold on the region.
Such a move could signify a shift in allegiance, signalling that Mbao’s loyalty to Jubilee might not be as steadfast as initially believed.
As the political drama unfolds, the Mbeere North by-election continues to attract the attention of local and national political players. Mbao’s potential backing of Muthende would create a new political alliance that could challenge the established order.
It would also mark a significant shift in the political dynamics, with the United Opposition’s support of Karish now being countered by a possible realignment in favour of UDA.
Duncan Mbui, the Chama Cha Kazi candidate, has been quietly building his campaign, carefully positioning himself as an alternative to the two main parties. His presence in the race has added another layer of complexity, making the outcome of this by-election all the more unpredictable.
As the three frontrunners now brace for the final push, each is keenly aware of the high stakes involved.
