Jubilee Party has sought to clarify the political context surrounding recent developments in Nairobi after some individuals announced their departure from the party.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 26, the party said the move should not be interpreted as a mass exit of its members or supporters.
It argued that some of those who announced their departure had already been suspended from the party over alleged misconduct and concerns surrounding the management of party processes.
"Yesterday's developments in Nairobi, including the announcement by some individuals of their departure from Jubilee Party, should be understood in their proper political context.
"Our Party respects the constitutional right of every Kenyan to make their own choice to join or support a political party of their choice. However, it is also important to put "defected" from Jubilee Party. These individuals were suspended by the Party several months ago following serious concerns regarding misconduct, mismanagement of processes," the statement read.
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The party said it had received complaints over alleged attempts to solicit money from aspirants, describing such conduct as inconsistent with its leadership principles and standards.
"The Party also received complaints and concerns regarding attempts to solicit money from aspirants, conduct that is fundamentally inconsistent with Jubilee's principles, values and standards of leadership," the statement added.
Jubilee said the disciplinary measures were intended to safeguard the integrity of the party and its internal democratic processes, rather than being acts of retaliation.
"Such practices have no place in retaliation, but are necessary steps to protect the integrity of the Party, its members, its structures and the democratic processes through which aspirants and leaders must be treated fairly. Their subsequent political choices should therefore be understood against this background," the statement further read.
The party also disputed the characterization of the developments as sudden defections, saying some of the individuals had already demonstrated political positions that differed from those of Jubilee.
"It is equally important to point out that what has been presented by some as a sudden "defection" is, in many cases, simply the formalization of political positions that have been evident for some time. There are individuals who, despite holding positions or securing elective office under the Jubilee collective decisions," the statement noted.
Jubilee maintained that its party ticket represented the backing of a broader political movement rather than an avenue for individual political ambitions.
It cautioned against portraying the departure of individual politicians as a wider rejection of the party by its members or Nairobi voters.
The party said it would focus on rebuilding its structures rather than engaging in political exchanges over the recent announcements, with efforts already underway to strengthen its presence across Nairobi and other parts of the country.
"As a party, our priority now is not to spend our time trading accusations or responding to every political announcement. Our responsibility is much bigger: to rebuild, reorganize and strengthen the party from the grassroots upwards. That work is already underway.
"We are undertaking a deliberate process of renewing our structures, strengthening our presence at the ward, constituency and county levels, engaging members and identifying leaders who are prepared to work for the party consistently and faithfully accountable and firmly rooted in the communities it seeks to serve," the statement explained.
Jubilee said Nairobi would remain central to its renewal strategy, citing the changing expectations of city residents and the need for leadership that addresses everyday challenges, including the cost of transport, access to services and accountability in county government.
"Nairobi must be at the center of that renewal. Our city is politically diverse, sophisticated and constantly evolving. Nairobi voters are increasingly demanding leadership that speaks to the realities of everyday life, the cost transport, access to services, accountable county government and dignity for every resident. That is where Jubilee's energy will be directed," the statement added.
Jubilee also extended an invitation to Kenyans interested in joining its political activities, including aspirants, professionals, community leaders, young people, women and entrepreneurs.
This comes days after Jubilee hit back at the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) over claims linking the party to the chaos witnessed during a DCP rally in Nakuru.
In a statement on Saturday, August 15, Jubilee Party Secretary-General Moitalal Ole Kenta dismissed the allegations that the former ruling party was behind the chaos in Nakuru.
Ole Kenta insisted that Jubilee has never been involved in organizing chaos during political gatherings.
"We turn, with equal candour, to voices within the opposition fold, including those aligned to DCP, who in recent days have found it convenient to link our Party, and specifically our presidential candidate, Hon. Fred Matiang’i, to the unrest witnessed in Naivasha and Nakuru.
"Let us be unambiguous, Jubilee Party is not, and has never been, in the business of organizing chaos on our streets," he said.
Ole Kenta argued that the chaos witnessed during DCP’s rally in Nakuru pointed to failures within the security system rather than political interference by the Jubilee Party.
"If our colleagues in the opposition are troubled by disorder, let their scrutiny be directed at those constitutionally charged with preventing it, not at a party that has consistently condemned violence in every form and every corner," he added.
