Former Nyeri MP Ngunjiri Wambugu Challenges Fred Matiang’i’s Jubilee Appointment in Tribunal Petition
Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has moved to challenge recent changes within the Jubilee Party leadership, including the appointment of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i as the party’s Deputy Party Leader, in a dispute that could reignite internal battles within the former ruling party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on May 28, Wambugu confirmed that he had filed a case before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) against the Jubilee Party and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), seeking clarification on what he describes as potentially unconstitutional alterations to the party’s leadership structure.
The petition comes at a time when Jubilee is seeking to reposition itself within the opposition landscape and amid growing speculation that Matiang’i could emerge as a key contender in the race to succeed President William Ruto in 2027.
According to Wambugu, the dispute is not about the suitability of Matiang’i as a presidential candidate but rather about whether the party adhered to its constitution and internal procedures when making leadership changes.
At the centre of the case is the registration of Matiang’i as Jubilee Party Deputy Leader, a move that has been widely interpreted as preparing the ground for his possible presidential bid under the party’s banner.
Wambugu argues that party members have not been furnished with documentation showing who authorised the changes or whether the decisions were approved through the constitutionally required structures.
“The issue is not who occupies the office, but whether the process followed the party constitution and respected the rights of members,” Wambugu said.
He specifically questioned whether a National Delegates Conference (NDC), the party’s highest decision-making organ, was convened and authorised the changes before they were forwarded for registration.
The former lawmaker insisted that every qualified Jubilee member, including Matiang’i, has the right to seek elective office and compete for the party’s presidential ticket.
“This case is not about whether Dr Fred Matiang’i should or should not seek the Presidency. Every qualified Jubilee member has a right to seek elective office,” he stated.
Wambugu further accused the party leadership of failing to provide adequate transparency regarding key decisions affecting members and the party’s future direction.
He also raised concerns about Jubilee’s decision not to field a candidate in the recent Mbeere North by-election, noting that party officials had publicly attributed the move to an arrangement within the broader opposition coalition.
According to him, party members deserve a clear explanation regarding the basis upon which such decisions are made and whether they are being sanctioned through the appropriate organs.
“The Jubilee Party does not belong to officials; it belongs to ordinary members first and foremost,” Wambugu said.
The case is expected to be mentioned before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal in the coming days, where directions on the hearing and determination of the matter will be issued.
The petition adds a fresh layer of uncertainty to Jubilee’s ongoing reorganisation efforts as the party seeks to remain politically relevant amid shifting opposition alliances and growing preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Political observers say the outcome of the case could have significant implications for Jubilee’s leadership structure and its plans to position Matiang’i as a central figure in the opposition’s quest for power.
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