A section of aspirants within the Jubilee Party has raised sharp concerns over what they describe as growing intolerance, intimidation, and suppression of grassroots political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The backlash follows a recent party statement warning against what it termed “unauthorized aspirants’ forums.” However, the aspirants argue that the directive is less about maintaining order and more about controlling political space within the party. According to several of them, the move reflects deeper fears among certain officials who are uncomfortable with independent mobilization outside their influence.
At the center of the dispute is the right of members to organize, consult, and prepare politically. The aspirants insist that forming forums to engage each other and build momentum is a normal and necessary part of democratic politics. They maintain that such gatherings do not replace official party processes but rather strengthen internal participation and grassroots engagement.
The group has also questioned whether Jubilee is operating as a truly independent political outfit or if it has quietly aligned itself within a broader opposition framework. They are demanding clarity on whether there are any formal agreements involving figures such as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies, and if so, why such arrangements have not been disclosed to party members.
Concerns have further been raised about party events allegedly being used to promote rival political formations, including those linked to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The aspirants claim that such developments undermine Jubilee’s identity and confuse supporters at the grassroots level.
While expressing respect for party leadership, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, the aspirants emphasize that Jubilee remains a public, democratic institution that must be accountable to its members. They argue that no individual or office should override the collective rights of members to participate fully in party affairs.
The group has signaled defiance in the face of possible disciplinary action, insisting they are ready to defend their actions through lawful party processes. They maintain that the real issue facing Jubilee is not member engagement, but alleged conflicts of interest among certain officials accused of advancing personal or external political agendas.
