Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan Leaves Jubilee for Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan Abdi has officially left the Jubilee Party to join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Rigathi Gachagua. The defection was announced on August 25 at a DCP event held at the party’s Nairobi headquarters.

Hassan, who has served two terms in Kamukunji under Jubilee, declared his intention to run for a third term on a DCP ticket. He also pledged support for Gachagua’s 2027 presidential campaign, signaling a shift in political alliances ahead of the general elections.

Growing DCP Influence in Nairobi

Hassan’s move is part of a wider trend of Nairobi politicians leaving Jubilee for DCP, as Gachagua seeks to strengthen his party’s foothold in the capital. Other notable defections include Embakasi East MP Mark Mwenje and Starehe MP Amos Mwago, leaving Jubilee without parliamentary representation in Nairobi based on recent shifts.

During the event, Gachagua welcomed Hassan, emphasizing the importance of his support particularly within the Somali community, which he noted has long felt marginalized.

Additional Defections and Political Realignments

• Several Nairobi County Jubilee MCAs, including the county’s Jubilee chairman, also joined DCP. This group was led by former Starehe MP Maina Kamanda, now DCP’s national chairperson for the Council of Eminent Persons.
• On the same day, Narok North MP Agnes Pareyio left Jubilee to align with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) during Ruto’s development tour in Narok.
• Nearly ten Narok MCAs similarly shifted allegiance to UDA, marking significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Gachagua used the occasion to highlight DCP’s growing national appeal and urged for fair competition among opposition parties, cautioning against dividing political groups along ethnic or regional lines.