NJAU: Jubilee eyes revival in Mt Kenya and seeks coalitions

Jubilee leader Uhuru Kenyatta/ FILE 

The Jubilee Party is engineering a political resurgence in the Mt Kenya region, positioning itselffor a three-way battle with the ruling United Democratic Alliance and ex-DP Rigathi Gachagua’sDemocracy for the Citizens Party in the 2027 general election.

Once a dominant political force that swept nearly all elective seats in 2017,Jubilee was reduced to a shadow of its former self in the 2022 polls.

Analysts say arecent combination of legal wins, strategic restructuring, and renewed grassrootsmobilisation suggests the party is not ready to fade into irrelevance.

They argue a major turning point came via a Gazette notice dated June 30 this yearwhen the Registrar of Political Parties officially reaffirmed former President UhuruKenyatta as the party leader.

This followed a High Court ruling upholding the 2023 National DelegatesConvention (NDC) resolutions, reversing a decision by the internal disputeresolution committee that had nullified leadership changes.

Already former Uhuru has announced a special NDCset for the end of August, issuing a 21-day notice as required by the party’s constitution. Uhurusaid the meeting will take place at the Jockey Club, Nairobi. The agenda includes a status reportfrom the National Executive Committee, policy reviews and other key party matters.

Speculation is rife that the Jubilee is exploring a potential coalitionwith several Mt Kenya-based outfits, including the Party of National Unity,Chama Cha Kazi, the Party of Democratic Unity and the Democratic Partyof Kenya (DP), among others.

The PNU has already intensified grassroots activities while opening localoffices and mobilising members, signalling readiness for broader politicalcollaboration.

Chama Cha Kazi leader Moses Kuria has publicly expressed interest in joining Jubilee,even eyeing the position of party secretary general.

However, DP national chairman Essau Kioni toldthe Star on Wednesday that his party has not been formally approached byJubilee officials.

“We would be glad to work with Jubilee again, as we have done before,”Kioni said. “But folding our party is not an option. Ours is the second-oldestparty after Kanu, and preserving its identity remains a priority.”

Kioni emphasised that DP has a long history of partnering with otherparties across the country and described Jubilee as a “cousin party”, sayingany collaboration between the two would not be unprecedented.

While Kioni has denied ongoing talks withthe Jubilee, inside sources reveal that DP leader Justin Muturi has heldmultiple talks with senior Jubilee officials since his exit from the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Muturi, in an interview with Inooro FM, recently admitted that leaders within Kenya Kwanzawere forced into vilifying Uhuru during the 2022 election.

“I will always respect former President Uhuru Kenyatta. He was firm butfair – a leader who listened, embraced differing views, and never ruledthrough intimidation,” Muturi said. “We’re still friends to this day, and Ivalue that bond.”

Isaiah Gichu, the national chairman of the PDU party, has neitherconfirmed nor denied the possibility a coalition with Jubilee.

Gichu emphasised there have always been efforts to unite Kenyans by bringingtogether leaders from different political parties as a way of strengthening democracy.He said PDU is open to working with like-minded parties that championdevelopment, peace, and transparency in leadership.

“We have been collaborating with other political parties before, and Jubileewould be no exception. What we stand for is growth, peace, and unity—and we will continue forming coalitions that reflect those values,” Gichusaid.

The Star has learned that Jubilee’s revival plan will borrow heavilyfrom the 2013 TNA strategy, whereby multipleaffiliated parties contested grassroots seats while uniting behind a singlepresidential candidate.

As part of the strategy, the party will intensify grassroots mobilisationin its traditional strongholds, particularly in Mt Kenya region, by courtingits former supporters and leaders.

Those said to be aiming for a comeback to Jubilee include former Kipipiri MPAmos Kimunya, former Kirinyaga Senator Charles Kibiru, and former KiambuGovernor James Nyoro, among others.

The comeback campaigns will involve outreach to church leaders, community influencers,and even former allies who claimed the UDA rigged them out in the 2022 election.

“Very soon, you’ll begin to see former President Uhuru Kenyatta makingpublic appearances, while Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and Vice-ChairmanDavid Murathe will be more visible in the media through TV interviews andpress briefings to give updates on the party’s activities,” a source said.

Murathe recently hinted at plans to revive and strengthen the party, though he offered fewdetails.

Speaking during the burial of the son of veteran musician Peter Kigia amonth ago, he delivered a speech on behalf of Uhuru, briefly mentioning the party’s future.

Without elaborating, Murathe assured mourners that efforts wereunderway to “make things better.”

He joked about his long-standing relationship with Chama Cha Kazi,saying they may differ politically but remain friends. 

“I don’t like speaking before Moses Kuria—you never know how he’llrespond afterward,” Murathe said, adding, “But I believe things will be okayfor those who believe.” He was echoing Jubilee’s slogan, ‘We Believe’ in a subtle andcoded message.

Kuria, who also addressed the gathering, acknowledged the unpredictablenature of politics, especially as the country heads toward the 2027 polls.

“Politics is dynamic. No one can tell which party will win in 2027,” Kuriasaid. He resigned in July President Ruto’s economic adviser.

Former Menengai East MCA aspirant John Wahinya said the Jubilee has retained residual goodwill in the region, especially among leadersuncomfortable with the increasingly personalised rivalry betweenGachagua and DP Kithure Kindiki.

“Jubilee has the backing of Uhuru’s legacy and public trust. If it presents afresh agenda and welcomes leaders sidelined by Gachagua or Ruto, it canbecome a serious player in 2027,” Wahinya said.

Political analyst Albert Kasembeli agreed but cautioned that Jubilee’s rebirthmust be more than nostalgic symbolism. 

“To be taken seriously, Jubilee needs ideological clarity. Mt Kenyavoters are politically alert. A party that promises unity, economicempowerment, and a generational shift in leadership could thrive,” he said. 

He added that Jubilee still carries the legacy and goodwill of Uhuru, and many leaders and voters in Mt Kenya who feel alienatedby the current leadership are quietly gravitating towards it.

“As 2027 nears, don’t be surprised if Jubilee becomes the political home forthose distancing themselves from Gachagua and Ruto camps,” Kasembelisaid.

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, in a recent interview with KogiCorner, publicly distanced himself from the Democracy forCitizens Party, days after being dropped from Gachagua’s communicationsteam.

Declaring himself a staunch Jubilee loyalist, Wambugu criticised DCP’sleadership for promoting one-party dominance at the expense of inclusivepolitical dialogue.

“The impeached deputy president is pushing for a monolithic politicalstructure that sidelines divergent voices—a dangerous slide back todictatorship,” Wambugu said.

On May 9, Wambugu held a closed-door meeting with Jubilee Secretary-GeneralKioni at party headquarters, after which the two posedfor a photo.

Wambugu, in a cryptic social media post this week, hinted at a deeper strategyunderway within the Jubilee Party.

“I have a proposal: Both my ‘likers’ and ‘haterz’ join #JubileeParty; then I’llapply for a position in NEC; and we all vote and I see which group is bigger,” heposted.

It’s believed Wambugu is being assigned to lead the Jubilee’s digital strategy team,while Starehe MP Amos Mwago is being tasked with youth mobilisation.

Political analyst Geoffrey Minodi, a former adviser to the Kakamega deputy governor, saysJubilee could stage a strong comeback if it wins the hearts of Kenyans by promising credible and inclusive leadership.

“The revival of Jubilee is symbolic, but without a clear agenda, it risks beinga noise-making platform. The meeting between Uhuru and Ruto might onlybe a temporary truce. The underlying succession tensions in Mt Kenyastill exist,” Minodi said.

Former Jubilee MCA Charles Mwangi echoed similar sentiments, arguingthat the party still commands silent loyalty on the ground. He said many grassrootssupporters are simply waiting for Uhuru’s signal—which could frustrate Gachagua’s recent political wave.

“People underestimate Jubilee’s roots on the ground. There are thousandswho have gone quiet, but they haven’t shifted loyalty. They’re just waitingfor Uhuru to speak. If that moment comes, we could see a reawakeningsimilar to the 2013 wave,” Mwangi said.

Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago, in a recent interviewwith the Star, urged Kenyans to embrace unity.

“This is not the time for infighting. Mt Kenya must remain united andfocused,” Kiago said. “Let us support our leaders—not out of blind loyalty, but for peace, development, and prosperity.”