By WMW
A major political shift is unfolding in the Mt. Kenya region after 18 former Members of County Assembly (MCAs) officially defected to the Safina Party, dealing a fresh blow to the waning influence of the Jubilee Party in Murang’a County.
The group, largely composed of seasoned grassroots politicians, announced their move during a ceremony led by former Murang’a County Assembly Majority Leader Wambui Njoki.
Out of the 18 defectors, 17 previously belonged to Jubilee while one came from Maendeleo Chap Chap, underscoring what analysts are already describing as a strategic collapse of former ruling party structures in parts of Mt. Kenya.
The leaders declared that their political future now lies with businessman-turned-politician Jimi Wanjigi and his growing economic-centered political movement under Safina.
From old politics to new politics
Speaking during the event, the former MCAs said they were abandoning what they termed as “politics of deceit” in favor of issue-based leadership focused on policy and economic transformation.
“We are moving from the old to the new,” one of the leaders declared, capturing the dominant mood at the gathering.
The defectors argued that Jubilee no longer offers a viable political platform ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing weakening grassroots structures, diminished public confidence, and lack of a clear ideological direction.
Instead, they expressed confidence in Wanjigi’s economic agenda, particularly his calls for debt restructuring, economic empowerment, and social equity under what he has branded “The Fist Agenda.”
According to the leaders, the decision to join Safina was informed by growing economic frustrations among ordinary wananchi, including the rising cost of living, unemployment, and stalled regional development.
Wambui Njoki signals high-level shift
The defection of Wambui Njoki is expected to carry significant political weight in Murang’a politics due to her previous influence as Majority Leader in the County Assembly.
Her move is likely to energize Safina’s grassroots mobilization efforts in the county and may encourage more former Jubilee leaders to reconsider their political future ahead of 2027.
Njoki said the region requires leaders willing to prioritize policy discussions and practical economic solutions over traditional political rhetoric and personality cults.
Political observers note that Murang’a has increasingly become a battleground for emerging political formations seeking to loosen the grip of established parties in the Mt. Kenya voting bloc.
Safina eyes Mt. Kenya foothold
Welcoming the leaders into Safina, Wanjigi described the defections as a “homecoming” for leaders committed to rebuilding the country’s economy.
He said the arrival of experienced legislators demonstrated that Safina was evolving from a fringe political outfit into a serious national contender ahead of the next election cycle.
“This is a new dawn,” Wanjigi said, adding that the entry of seasoned grassroots politicians signaled growing public confidence in the party’s vision.
Wanjigi who hosted the team in his office further identified Murang’a as a strategic pillar in his broader national political ambitions, citing the county’s expanding economic and administrative importance, especially around fast-growing urban centers such as Kenol.
Trouble for Jubilee remnants
The latest defections are expected to deepen concerns within Jubilee circles over the party’s shrinking influence in its former strongholds.
Once the dominant political machine in the Mt. Kenya region, Jubilee has struggled to maintain cohesion following internal divisions and shifting political loyalties after the 2022 elections.
The movement of nearly an entire bloc of former MCAs to Safina is likely to intensify competition for grassroots support as parties begin positioning themselves early for the 2027 race.
Analysts say the shift also reflects a broader transition in regional politics, where economic messaging and governance issues are increasingly resonating more strongly than traditional ethnic alliances.
With all 18 leaders declaring their intention to contest MCA seats again under the Safina ticket in 2027, the party appears determined to transform Murang’a into one of its strongest political launchpads in the Mt. Kenya region.
For now, the defections mark not just a change of party affiliation, but a deeper signal that the political landscape in central Kenya may be entering a new and unpredictable chapter.
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