Sabina Chege: I was not invited to Jubilee NDC

Nominated MP Sabina Chege has explained why she did not attend the Jubilee Party National Delegates Convention (NDC) held last Friday at Ngong Racecourse.

Chege, a prominent figure within the party, confirmed in an interview with TV 47 that she did not receive a formal invitation, which she said was required for attendance.

“I did not attend the NDC because I was not invited,” Chege said, emphasising that her absence was not a deliberate boycott.

Her statement comes after Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni clarified in the days leading up to the convention that only individuals who had received formal communication would be allowed to attend.

“Not every Jubilee Party member has been invited to the planned meeting. Anyone who has not received a message should not attend, as they will not be allowed in,” Kioni said.

Chege also addressed questions about her leadership role within the party, clarifying a common misconception. She noted that she had never been formally appointed as Jubilee Party leader.

“I was not a party leader; I served in an acting capacity because, according to the party Constitution, once the retired president left the position, we did not hold a meeting to appoint a permanent leader until we could convene an NDC,” she explained.

The NDC, presided over by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, brought together key party officials and supporters, highlighting Jubilee’s continued role in Kenya’s political landscape.

The event marked a step in the party’s efforts to restructure and strengthen its organisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his keynote address, Kenyatta reaffirmed his leadership within the party, highlighted Jubilee’s development record, and outlined a vision for its future.

He also emphasised Jubilee’s continued participation in the Azimio la Umoja coalition, while noting that the party could reassess its alliances depending on evolving political dynamics.

Uhuru said the Jubilee administration had been so successful that some quarters sought to wrestle control of the party from him using “paid” forces.

“After handing over the reins of state to a new administration in a peaceful and orderly manner, as you all witnessed, I expected the same for our party. Unfortunately, this was not to be,” he said.

The former president added that his four decades in politics had taught him that leadership cannot be driven by bitterness or anger, noting that he had since moved past those challenges.

Observers noted that Chege’s absence underscored the complexities of internal party coordination as Jubilee seeks to consolidate support nationally.

Jubilee Party was formed through the merger of 11 political parties, including The National Alliance (TNA) and the United Republican Party (URP), which were the principal parties backing the 2013 general election.