The Jubilee Party has suffered a major political setback in Laikipia County after more than 700 grassroots leaders defected to align themselves with the government.
The group was led by the party’s county chairperson Sarolyne Wanjiku Mwendia, who cited growing dissatisfaction with the party’s national leadership and direction.
Speaking to journalists, Mwendia said the decision followed extensive consultations with her supporters and campaign team, adding that many grassroots members felt the party leadership had lost touch with local concerns.
Leaders cite disconnect with national leadership
Mwendia said the move was driven by what she described as a widening gap between Jubilee’s national leadership and the realities facing residents of Laikipia.
She pointed to recent developments within the party, including the entry of former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i into the Jubilee leadership, which she said did not reflect the priorities of the party’s original grassroots supporters.
“I have not walked away from the party; Jubilee abandoned the people. We stayed behind to safeguard a house in the absence of its owners, but now that house no longer represents the hopes and dreams of the people of Laikipia West,” Mwendia said.
She added that the more than 12,000 voters who supported her in the 2022 parliamentary race were backing a vision for development rather than loyalty to a political party symbol.
“My 12,075 voters did not vote for a logo; they voted for a vision. Today we are moving that vision closer to the centre of power so that Laikipia can be part of the national decision-making process,” she said.
Resignation letter cites change in party direction
In a resignation letter dated March 5, 2026 and addressed to the Jubilee Party Secretary General, Mwendia said the party’s current political direction no longer aligned with the aspirations of residents in the county.
She noted that she had remained committed to the party even during its most challenging period after the 2022 General Election, when she contested for the Laikipia West parliamentary seat on a Jubilee ticket and garnered 12,075 votes despite a strong United Democratic Alliance (UDA) wave in the region.
The letter also referenced her involvement in opposition activities during the 2023 Azimio-led demonstrations, saying her latest decision came after careful consideration of the needs of her supporters.
“As a leader, my responsibility is to ensure the people I represent have a voice in national decision-making platforms,” she stated in the letter.
Eyeing Laikipia Senate seat
Following her exit from Jubilee, Mwendia has also announced plans to contest for the Laikipia senatorial seat in the next general election.
Her declaration sets the stage for a potential contest with the current Senator John Kinyua, who is expected to defend the seat under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket.
Mwendia said the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the pro-government political camp in Laikipia while ensuring the county remains represented in key national discussions.
