Possible ways Uhuru could complicate matters for Gachagua and Ruto
In a significant political move, former President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially reclaimed control of the Jubilee Party, marking a resurgence that is likely to reshape influence dynamics in the Mt Kenya region and impact President William Ruto's 2027 re-election strategy.
Uhuru's return to the party leadership was confirmed by the Registrar of Political Parties and was evident at the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in August 2025. This move consolidates Jubilee as a key opposition party amidst Kenya’s dynamic political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former President's return could complicate the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua's stronghold in the Mt Kenya region. As Jubilee is traditionally rooted in the Mt Kenya area—where both Uhuru and his Deputy President, William Ruto, draw significant support—Uhuru’s renewed leadership may realign local loyalties. While the direct impact on Gachagua specifically is yet to be fully reported, Uhuru’s control of Jubilee reinstates a powerful political vehicle that can compete for influence in Mt Kenya, historically Uhuru’s political base.
President Ruto’s re-election bid might face intensified opposition as Jubilee positions itself as a more unified counterforce under Uhuru’s leadership. Jubilee’s openness to aligning with veteran politician Raila Odinga, a known Ruto rival, hints that Uhuru could influence opposition coalitions to counter Ruto’s power. This development suggests a potential broader opposition front against Ruto, complicating his traditional Mt Kenya support base and election maneuvering.
In summary, Uhuru's return consolidates Jubilee, strengthening its role as opposition and potentially diluting Ruto and Gachagua’s dominance in Mt Kenya. The political contest in Mt Kenya and nationally is expected to intensify as Jubilee reasserts itself, redefining alliances and voter dynamics. The Special National Delegates Conference (NDC), scheduled for the end of this month, will address critical matters affecting the Jubilee Party, including reviewing and formulating party policies.
The reclaiming of control by Uhuru Kenyatta over the Jubilee Party, a key political maneuver, will undoubtedly influence the 2027 elections, as this move positions the party to become a significant player in the opposition, thereby challenging President William Ruto's re-election strategy. Furthermore, the reported alliance between Jubilee and veteran politician Raila Odinga, a known Ruto rival, may lead to the formation of a broader opposition front, potentially diluting the dominance of Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, in the Mt Kenya region, thus reshaping Kenya’s political landscape.
