Controversy brews in Jubilee in Kisii as hopeful fights “party elders”

Kisii Senatorial hopeful Denis Masenge Tuesday called for inclusivity and fairness in the selection of the party’s leadership team in Kisii County, warning against attempts by a few elderly influential leaders to dominate the process.

Masenge, a political science don said he had previously cautioned veteran politicians Richard Onyonka, Omingo Magara and Ezekiel Machogu against creating the impression that they were the only Gusii leaders entitled to lead the community or determine who should receive Jubilee Party tickets.

He argued that Kisii County’s six clans must be given an equitable opportunity to participate in shaping the party’s leadership and political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The reality is that all six clans of Kisii County deserve a fair and equitable share of the county’s political leadership,” Masenge said in a statement to journalists.

Masenge urged Jubilee leaders to abandon what he described as a gatekeeping approach.

Masenge who is entering elective politics for the first time nsisted that party positions and tickets should be determined through consultation, merit and the democratic will of the people.

“Let the three wazee desist from presenting themselves as the only preferred candidates or gatekeepers of the Jubilee Party in Kisii County,” he said.

Masenge said leadership should not be about imposing preferred individuals on voters but about building a team that reflects the diversity of the county.

“Leadership should be about consultation, inclusivity, fairness, merit and the democratic will of the people,” he said.

The don’s remarks come as political realignments intensify in Kisii ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties and political camps positioning themselves to secure influential elective seats across the county.

He also appealed to Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i to personally ensure that the process of assembling the party’s county team is transparent and inclusive.

“We therefore encourage our presidential candidate, Hon. Dr Fred Matiang’i, to ensure that the process of selecting the Jubilee Party county team is free, fair, transparent, inclusive and equitable,” he said.

He warned that any process perceived to favour a handful of individuals or clans could undermine the party’s credibility and alienate grassroots supporters.

According to Masenge, every community and clan in Kisii must feel represented and respected if Jubilee is to build a formidable political machinery ahead of the elections.

“Jubilee must belong to the people—not to a few individuals,” he said.

He called for a leadership structure anchored on inclusivity, equity and accountability, saying such an approach would give the party a stronger foundation for delivering development and winning the confidence of voters.

“Inclusivity. Equity. Accountability for Development,” Masenge said.