Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has criticized Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i for supporting the United Opposition’s plan to field a single candidate in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Wambugu accused Matiang’i of betraying Jubilee’s interests by agreeing to withdraw the party’s candidate in favour of one from the Rigathi Gachagua-led Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The outspoken former legislator, known for his candid views on internal party matters, questioned the motive behind Matiang’i’s decision.
“Matiang’i had actually accepted to have Jubilee withdraw our Ol Kalou candidate in favour of Jofri’s candidate. One wonders what deal he has been offered by Jofri that would make him sacrifice our party like this,” Wambugu stated.
Although the United Opposition has yet to settle on a flagbearer for the by-election, Wambugu claimed that the DCP had already been informally chosen to represent the coalition. He accused Matiang’i of undermining Jubilee’s position and weakening its influence within the alliance.
Wambugu has in recent weeks been vocal about what he perceives as mismanagement within the Jubilee Party, particularly regarding its strategy for the Ol Kalou contest. During the presentation of Jubilee’s candidate’s nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), he raised concerns after members of the DCP were seen using the Jubilee sound caravan.
He questioned whether the party was genuinely committed to winning the Ol Kalou seat, suggesting that internal divisions and conflicting loyalties could cost Jubilee politically. The Ol Kalou by-election has become a key test for the United Opposition’s unity and the strength of its constituent parties ahead of future political contests.
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