How Uhuru could muddy the waters for Gachagua and Ruto
National
By
Ndungu Gachane
| Aug 08, 2025
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to resume leadership roles in the Jubilee Party could significantly alter Kenya’s political landscape, and pose a challenge to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s quest to be the Mt Kenya region’s kingpin and affect President William Ruto’s re-election strategy.
On Wednesday, Uhuru issued a 21-day notice for a Special National Delegates Conference (NDC), scheduled for the end of this month, aimed at reviewing and formulating party policies and addressing other critical matters affecting Jubilee.
The announcement came a day after the former President chaired the first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting since winning a court battle against a rival faction led by Nominated MP Sabina Chege and East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega. The two had declared themselves party leader and Secretary-General respectively, replacing Uhuru and Jeremiah Kioni.
In 2023, Uhuru chaired an NDC which was dismissed by the Chege-Kega faction. The duo subsequently convened another NEC meeting, where they resolved to replace Uhuru with Sabina, triggering a series of legal battles.
READ MORE
Stanbic posts Sh6.5b half-year profit as it ramps up client support
Businesses push for use of VAT refunds to offset tax arrears
Developers, banks eye sweet spot in residential market
Broke Treasury speeds up KPC sale in bid to raise Sh100b
How global decor trends are transforming Kenyan homes
Warehouse receipt system to transform agriculture with a new strategic plan
Likoni channel gridlock leaves cargo owners counting losses
Kenyan exporters to access China duty-free after deal
Shelter Afrique secures Sh15.5b loan to boost capitalisation programme
Nakuru's old estates that share a name but with contrasting lives
Allies of President Ruto have frequently urged Uhuru to retire from active politics, including relinquishing any party leadership roles, even threatening to withhold his retirement benefits should he fail to comply. Uhuru’s appearance at State House, Nairobi, last week, sparked speculation that the Jubilee leader, who supported Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential election, could be warming up to backing Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027. However, Jubilee officials have dismissed such claims.
Jubilee Deputy Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge reaffirmed the party’s position, stating that it remains in opposition.
“At a time of dynamic political realignments, the party remains steadfast in its role within the opposition, committed to championing the interests of the people and upholding democratic principles,” said Njoroge.
She added that the party would soon embark on a strategic plan to revitalise its structures and operations across the country.
Sources within the party indicated that key agenda items for the upcoming NDC include the potential endorsement of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as Jubilee’s presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has absorbed several former Jubilee leaders, including former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, who previously served as Jubilee’s Director of Elections, and former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi.
Other former Jubilee MPs who have joined DCP are Mercy Gakuya and Maina Kamanda.
Political analysts believe Jubilee’s revival could trigger fresh divisions in the Mt Kenya region, where the party still enjoys significant support.
Prof Peter Kagwanja views the move as a direct challenge to Gachagua’s influence in the region and a calculated effort to rein in his political ascendancy.
“This appears to be a strategy to counter Gachagua, and it could have been part of the discussions between Uhuru and Ruto during their recent meeting. However, considering the trajectory of ruling parties in Kenya’s history, I doubt Jubilee will regain sufficient momentum to become the region’s dominant party by 2027,” said Kagwanja.
Efforts to revitalise Jubilee also coincide with the resignation of Ruto’s advisor Moses Kuria, who has since declared his intention to vie for the position of Secretary-General of the Jubilee Party—despite being the founder of Chama Cha Kazi, a party allied to the Kenya Kwanza coalition.