Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to remain active in politics is adding another dimension to the 2027 General Election, as opposition parties explore ways of working together to challenge President William Ruto.
Uhuru recently handed over the Jubilee Party leadership to former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, but said he would remain in the party as a senior adviser and continue participating in its affairs.
The move means Uhuru is stepping away from the formal leadership of Jubilee without withdrawing from politics.
He has also called on the party to begin preparing for the 2027 elections and to work with other political formations, placing him in a potentially important role as opposition parties discuss possible cooperation and coalition arrangements.
Political analyst Albert Kasambeli said the key question is how far Uhuru will use his political influence.
His continued involvement, he said, could extend beyond Jubilee's presidential politics to parliamentary, gubernatorial and other elective contests as parties position themselves for the 2027 elections.
“Whether he ultimately backs a particular challenger to Ruto or supports candidates in strategic constituencies will be closely watched as opposition parties negotiate alliances and positions ahead of the 2027 General Election,” Kasambeli said.
Political commentator Caleb Burudi said Uhuru’s continued involvement is likely to draw attention to the role he could play as opposition parties seek to overcome their differences and potentially unite behind a common presidential candidate.
“A key question will be whether Uhuru chooses to actively campaign for candidates seeking to defeat Ruto, including a potential joint opposition presidential candidate, or limits his role to party and coalition-building efforts,” he said.
He added that Uhuru’s influence could extend to parliamentary and other elective contests, depending on the alliances that emerge.
His experience in coalition-building and national campaigns, Burudi said, could make his networks relevant as opposition leaders attempt to consolidate their support and develop a common strategy.
Uhuru’s decision to remain active also raises questions about whether he could reactivate political networks built during his years as President and Jubilee leader.
Such networks could potentially be used to mobilise support for opposition candidates, strengthen grassroots structures and help coordinate campaigns across different parts of the country.
Jubilee has already positioned Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for 2027, while Uhuru has asked party members to accept Matiang’i as he moves into the senior adviser role. The party has also been preparing to recruit candidates for other elective positions.
This could give Uhuru a role that goes beyond his own party. If opposition negotiations produce a broader coalition, his political networks could potentially be used to support the coalition’s presidential candidate as well as candidates seeking parliamentary and county positions.
Financing could become another issue surrounding Uhuru’s continued political involvement. Kenya Kwanza politicians have previously accused him of supporting or financing opposition activities, claims Uhuru has publicly denied.
Matiang’i has also rejected the framing of opposition activity as rebellion and defended Uhuru’s right to participate in politics.
Burudi said the distinction, however, remains important — between Uhuru personally financing candidates and his wider political networks helping parties mobilise resources.
“Whether he becomes involved in fundraising, campaign organisation or other forms of political support will depend on the alliances and structures that emerge ahead of the election,” he added.
Uhuru has also demonstrated that his return to active politics could give Ruto another political voice to contend with. During the Jubilee leadership handover, he criticised the President for continuing to blame his administration for problems facing the country.
“And after four years, he is still saying Uhuru this, Uhuru that. Were you given leadership so that you continue to talk about Uhuru? Or were you given leadership to serve Kenyans?” Uhuru said.
He has also pushed back against calls for him to remain silent, arguing that he has a right to participate in political affairs and defend his party. His comments have already drawn responses from Kenya Kwanza figures, with UDA secretary general Hassan Omar accusing Uhuru of failing to accept the 2022 election outcome, an allegation Uhuru disputes.
Some leaders allied to the administration have called on Uhuru to leave active politics. Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, for instance, urged the former President to allow the current administration to govern.
“Kenyans gave you 10 years to serve. Allow President Ruto the same opportunity to deliver on his agenda,” he said.
Other Jubilee allies, however, have defended Uhuru’s continued political participation and right to express his views.
The contrasting positions underline the political significance of his decision to remain engaged.
As opposition parties continue consultations, the central question will be what role Uhuru ultimately chooses to play.
He cannot seek another presidential term, but his position as a former President, senior Jubilee figure and experienced coalition-builder gives him several possible avenues of involvement, from advising the party and mobilising its structures to campaigning for candidates and participating in broader opposition negotiations.
