How Uhuru’s Planned Jubilee Party Changes Can Twist Ruto’s and Gachagua’s 2027 Chances

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is reportedly planning to revamp and rejuvenate the Jubilee Party after regaining full control as party leader.

Jubilee Party was the ruling party from 2017 to 2022 but has lost support due to defections to President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the emergence of new parties, such as the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Jeremiah Kioni’s future as Jubilee Secretary General is also uncertain due to reported internal disagreements.

Some of the names floated to succeed Kioni include Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, a Kenyatta loyalist, and former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu.

Political Analyst Dr. Luchetu Likaka told The Kenya Times that the rumored restructuring of the Jubilee Party would have significant impact in the political scene, especially in the wake of the fallout between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and President William Ruto.

Likaka said the fallout has left a power vacuum in Mt. Kenya’s political hierarchy, opening the door for fresh realignments and new contenders vying to shape the region’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He explained that Uhuru’s plan is to reclaim political relevance in the region and nationally through the Jubilee Party which is no longer the uncontested force it once was.

Likaka said the most significant strategic shifts emerging from Jubilee’s realignment is the potential elevation of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i as the party’s presidential candidate.

“Matiang’i brings technocratic competence, a tough-on-corruption profile, and national appeal. In a political climate yearning for leadership with integrity and efficiency, his candidacy could breathe new life into Jubilee and expand its appeal beyond Mt. Kenya. His perceived independence and strong record in public service give him an edge in connecting with both urban middle-class voters and rural communities frustrated by unfulfilled promises,” Likaka said.

Matiang’i Best Option for Jubilee 

Similarly, political analyst Maimuna Mwidau said the main change Uhuru can make is to endorse Matiang’i as the Party’s presidential candidate.

She explained that Matiang’i can form a strong alliance with Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa- especially with the working relationship between President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“The major changes he can make is to identify a presidential candidate to fly the jubilee ticket in the name of Matiang’i and others who will rally behind this candidate while creating an opportunity for others to form an alliance with Gachagua, Kalonzo, Wamalwa among others after the ODM retreat to KK alliance,” Maimuna said.

On his part, Governance and Political Expert Javas Bigambo said Uhuru’s focus is primarily on the resuscitation of Jubilee party.

Bigambo said Uhuru plans is to alter the trajectory of the party by injecting agility that would lead to vibrant vote hunt in Mount Kenya, and counter DCP.

He stated that Uhuru needs serious people to invest in the party since he cannot for office.

Bigambo said this is a huge task and only Matiang’i can help the party.

“Since Uhuru is not going for any elective seat, he needs people who can also invest in the party and who are seriously ambitious. Sadly, this may not happen soon. Jubilee will not regain its popularity in Kenya as it was before. Perhaps Matiang’i may help it abit, but not much,” Bigambo said.

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How Jubilee New Leadership Should Look

Maimuna said the leadership will reflect the political realities of alliances or mergers that may include those considered relevant in the current shift of political alliances.

This concurs with with Likaka’s take that Jubilee is no longer operating in a vacuum with the emergence of DCP which is positioning itself as a dominant force in Mt. Kenya politics.

“The impact on 2027, will be most likely create a formidable alternative opposition to UDA and team,” Maimuna stated.

Likaka said DCP appears poised to command a larger and more energized following than Jubilee with grassroots mobilization, a younger leadership tone, and a clearer ideological posture.

Uhuru Still Mt. Kenya Kingpin 

However, he said that Uhuru is still the kingpin of the region and his position in the next polls is key.

“Even so, Uhuru Kenyatta remains the symbolic kingpin of the mountain. His endorsement still holds weight among elders, clergy, and political elites, and could significantly influence voter sentiment if strategically deployed,” he said.

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Scramble for Mt. Kenya Votes

Additionally, Likaka said Mt. Kenya is headed toward a competitive two-party regional configuration: a reinvigorated Jubilee, likely led or endorsed by Uhuru with Matiang’i at the national forefront, and a rising DCP with stronger populist appeal.

He said the region’s voters will choose between political continuity under Uhuru’s legacy and fresh, possibly more radical, alternatives.

“The success of either camp will depend not only on personality but on who best articulates a vision that addresses the real economic and governance concerns facing Mt. Kenya and the country at large,” he said.

Removal of Kioni

On the possible removal of Kioni as Secretary General, Likaka said the move can be interpreted as a broader succession plan.

He pointed that Kioni has been instrumental in keeping Jubilee afloat during its turbulent years but a new leadership structure it necessary to match the energy of rival movements like DCP.

“If Jubilee is to remain relevant, its leadership must reflect not only loyalty to Uhuru but also adaptability to the shifting political currents,” Likaka said.

Maimuna also said Kioni’s removal will settle the ill feelings between the Party members.

She said the Jubilee needs a new leadership team to face Ruto.

“The removal of Kioni maybe a solution to the jubilee faction crises and the country may see united jubilee with new energy and leadership that will put up a united front ready to face the Ruto team come 2027,” Maimuna said.

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