The Jubilee Party has announced it will not participate in the upcoming Kariobangi North Ward by-election, choosing instead to support a candidate from the Wiper Party.
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said in a statement on Friday that the decision was informed by the party’s desire to strengthen cooperation within the opposition. He noted that the seat had previously been held by Joel Munuve, who had been working with Wiper before his death.
“In the spirit of opposition solidarity, and cognizant of the fact that this seat was previously under a leader working with Wiper, Jubilee has resolved not to present a candidate. We will rally our full support behind Wiper’s candidate to ensure that the people of Kariobangi North continue to enjoy effective representation,” Kioni said.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will conduct the by-election on 27 November 2025, following the vacancy created by Munuve’s passing.
By opting out of the race, Jubilee is positioning itself as part of a broader opposition strategy to back joint candidates in key contests as a way of countering the Kenya Kwanza Alliance.
Kioni said the party’s move was also aimed at defending democratic gains made over the years.
“Our unity is our strength. This move reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the opposition’s voice and ensuring that Kenyans are adequately represented in all spheres of governance,” he stated.
Meanwhile, IEBC has assured Kenyans that it is ready to hold the by-election. The commission recently received the required funds from the National Treasury, clearing earlier financial concerns.
Confirming the development, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the commission now has all the resources needed to run the polls smoothly.
“We would like to assure the country and citizens that all preparations are in top gear, and the resources we needed to conduct successful by-elections are now available to us,” Ethekon stated.
His remarks followed weeks of uncertainty caused by funding gaps that had threatened to stall the exercise. Ethekon explained that discussions with Treasury officials had resolved the shortfalls.
“Where there were shortages, we have had candid and fruitful discussions with our national treasury, who have since then unlocked that, and therefore there is no reason whatsoever why we should not have by-elections as planned,” he affirmed.
Ethekon added that the commission has continued to engage political players to enhance transparency. He said IEBC has been holding consultative meetings with political parties through the Political Parties Liaison Committee, alongside the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, to ensure adequate preparation for the polls.