Ngunjiri Wambugu officially returns to Jubilee

By Newsflash Writer

Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has formally rejoined the Jubilee Party, marking a political comeback within a party he once strongly supported during its time in power.

Wambugu, a former close ally of impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was received by Jubilee’s Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, whose leadership of the party has been challenged since the 2022 elections but remains steadfast.

Declaring his renewed allegiance, Wambugu said, “Jubilee ni Home (Jubilee is Home).” He noted that the party’s legacy and shared experiences among its members are invaluable assets that cannot be overlooked, particularly at a time when democracy in Kenya faces fresh tests.

“One of the benefits of being a #JubileeMember is the shared history we have as a team. Our history as a former #RulingParty also ensures we become extremely wary of anything that could take our democracy backwards,” Wambugu stated.

The former MP also reminded Kenyans that Jubilee, despite being out of power, still commands significant support across the country.

“#RandomFact. Did you know Jubilee has over #7MMembers drawn from literally every corner of the Republic? Now you know!” he added.

Applauding Kioni’s resilience

Wambugu took the opportunity to shower praise on Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, describing him as the engine behind the party’s continued survival following the 2022 general election and subsequent political turbulence.

“Today I want to celebrate Hon #JeremiahKioni,” he wrote in a public statement. “To many Kioni is an acquired taste. I agree. He can grate on you especially when you don’t share a common big picture. (Like during the sufuria days 😉). But once you understand, you get to appreciate his extraordinary capacities.”

Wambugu recalled that he had backed Kioni’s bid for the position of Secretary-General, both inside and outside Parliament, and noted that Kioni’s first visit after assuming the office was to Nyeri Constituency, in recognition of that support.

“But the reality is that NO OTHER PERSON has done more than he has, to keep #TheJubileeParty alive post-2022,” he said.

He described Kioni as “consistent, meticulous, intensely focused, hard-nosed, stubborn, pragmatic & very aware of the realities within and around him.” According to Wambugu, it is this tenacity and political awareness that has enabled Kioni to keep Jubilee relevant despite being pushed to the periphery in Kenya’s changing political landscape.

“Jeremiah Ngayu Kioni has ensured our former ruling party is alive in our hearts and minds one way or the other by putting himself out there during this very crazy time,” Wambugu said, urging fellow party members to give Kioni his due credit.

He concluded by reminding critics that Kioni’s political resilience is no fluke: “Oh, and for the haterz out there; let’s remember he has actually been elected TWICE… as MP. Quite a feat.”

Wambugu’s return is seen as a boost to the embattled Jubilee leadership, as the party continues to fend off internal rifts and external political pressure while attempting to reposition itself for future relevance.