Nairobi Jubilee leaders downplay Kamukunji MP’s defection to DCP

Jubilee Party leaders in Nairobi have downplayed the defection of Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), saying the move will not weaken its political base in the Capital.

Hassan, who was elected on a Jubilee ticket in the 2022 General Election, joined DCP on Tuesday and was formally welcomed by party leader Rigathi Gachagua at the party’s headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.

However, Jubilee’s Nairobi chairperson Paul Kados who is also the Mihango ward MCA has sought to minimise the significance of the defection, maintaining that the party remains firmly rooted in the capital.

Kados said Jubilee would not be distracted by individual departures, arguing that the party’s focus was on rebuilding its structures and preparing for the 2027 General Election.

“The party will field candidates in all elective seats across Nairobi,” her said, signalling Jubilee’s intention to compete aggressively for parliamentary, county assembly and other elective positions in the city.

The Kamukunji MP’s departure comes at a time when DCP is seeking to expand its influence in Nairobi, with several legislators and political leaders rallying behind Gachagua.

Hassan said he had opted to join DCP because of what he described as the party’s commitment to integrity and better leadership.

He also cited the high cost of living and what he termed increasing corruption as among the issues driving his decision.

But Kados' response suggests Jubilee does not view Hassan’s exit as a major setback ahead of 2027.

The Jubilee leadership has in recent months been repositioning the party as it prepares for the next General Election.

The party has also made changes to its national leadership, including appointing Peter Kados as chair of its MCA caucus as part of efforts to strengthen its political structures.

Kados is expected to lead the party’s Nairobi mobilisation as Jubilee seeks to retain its foothold in the capital while defending seats won under its ticket in the 2022 elections.

The defection nevertheless gives DCP an additional high-profile foothold in Nairobi and could intensify competition for the city’s political constituencies ahead of 2027.