Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu welcomed Mount Kenya gospel artiste Ngaruiya Junior, the region’s musicians and aspiring 2027 leaders to the Jubilee Party.
In a statement on his social media platforms, Wambugu said it was wrong to discriminate on any leader who has followers and that the dove party will offer Ngaruiya and other leaders a platform to articulate their vision if they so wish to, then leave the rest to voters who will make the ultimate decision on voting day.
”Anyone has a right to join a party and vie. It’s actually in our constitution. Parties are also in the business of building numbers. And Ngaruiya has followers or we would not be speaking about him. So we … again … welcome him to join our party. Same way you are asking people to leave where they are and join the new one, we are asking him to leave wherever he is and join Jubilee,” the former lawmaker’s statement reads in part.
”We will not discriminate against him. Let the voters refuse to vote for him at the ballot. Let’s not assume voters are children and make decisions for them. But no one has a right to tell him he cannot run for a public office. And a party that decides to discriminate on education must explain why it assumes it has that right. Remember political parties are not private property.”
Wambugu’s announcement follows impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s move to deny Ngaruiya Junior a party ticket ahead of his intended bid to contest the parliamentary seat in Subukia during the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kihoya in Murang’a County on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Gachagua ridiculed Ngaruiya for accusing him in front of Deputy President Kindiki and unapologetically confirmed that he did indeed deny him the ticket because he does not meet the merit or qualifications required.
“So now, someone who only reached Standard Two is expected to be handed a DCP ticket? Who exactly is he meant to represent as a Member of Parliament? I cannot permit that to happen, especially considering the difficult situation we are in, where people are elected without proper scrutiny. No individual lacking direction will be handed a DCP ticket,” he stated.
