Jubilee Party disowns Meru branch endorsement of Mithika Linturi for governor

The Jubilee Party has dismissed an endorsement of Mithika Linturi, a former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, for the Meru gubernatorial seat by officials of its county branch. In a press release on Friday, October 30, 2026, Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta stated that the party had not authorized the Meru branch officials to endorse a candidate outside their existing coalition arrangement.

This announcement came after Linturi declared on his Facebook page that the Jubilee Party Meru branch, including its chairperson and secretary general, had endorsed his gubernatorial bid.

Linturi claimed that he had received the leadership of the Jubilee Party Meru county Branch, indicating that the party had declared their support for his candidature. However, Jubilee's national leadership rejected the endorsement, asserting that the authority to enter into coalition agreements lies with the party leader under Article 17(2) of its constitution.

Press Secretary Ole Kenta emphasized that no party official, branch representative, or individual can enter into or disregard a coalition arrangement without adhering to the procedures outlined in the party constitution.

Jubilee confirmed that it has a binding coalition agreement with the Party of National Unity (PNU) concerning the Meru gubernatorial seat. Any endorsement of a different candidate by individuals claiming to speak for the Jubilee Party, without proper authorization from the party's governing body, is deemed unauthorized, contradictory to the party's position, and constitutionally unjustifiable, the statement read.

Jubilee warned that members and officials making unapproved political endorsements could face disciplinary action under the party constitution. The party also cautioned against individuals assuming or exercising party offices without following the prescribed procedures.