NJAU: Jubilee eyes revival in Mt Kenya and seeks coalitions

The Jubilee Party is engineering a political resurgence in the Mt Kenya region, positioning itself for a three-way battle with the ruling United Democratic Alliance and ex-DP Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy 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 a recent combination of legal wins, strategic restructuring, and renewed grassroots mobilisation 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 year when the Registrar of Political Parties officially reaffirmed former President Uhuru Kenyatta as the party leader.

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

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

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

The PNU has already intensified grassroots activities while opening local offices and mobilising members, signalling readiness for broader political collaboration.

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 told the Star on Wednesday that his party has not been formally approached by Jubilee 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-oldest party after Kanu, and preserving its identity remains a priority.”

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

While Kioni has denied ongoing talks with the Jubilee, inside sources reveal that DP leader Justin Muturi has held multiple 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 Kwanza were forced into vilifying Uhuru during the 2022 election.

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

Isaiah Gichu, the national chairman of the PDU party, has neither confirmed nor denied the possibility a coalition with Jubilee.

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

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

The Star has learned that Jubilee’s revival plan will borrow heavily from the 2013 TNA strategy, whereby multiple affiliated parties contested grassroots seats while uniting behind a single presidential candidate.

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

Those said to be aiming for a comeback to Jubilee include former Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya, former Kirinyaga Senator Charles Kibiru, and former Kiambu Governor 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 making public appearances, while Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and Vice-Chairman David Murathe will be more visible in the media through TV interviews and press 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 few details.

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

Without elaborating, Murathe assured mourners that efforts were underway 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’ll respond afterward,” Murathe said, adding, “But I believe things will be okay for those who believe.” He was echoing Jubilee’s slogan, ‘We Believe’ in a subtle and coded message.

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

“Politics is dynamic. No one can tell which party will win in 2027,” Kuria said. 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 leaders uncomfortable with the increasingly personalised rivalry between Gachagua and DP Kithure Kindiki.

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

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

“To be taken seriously, Jubilee needs ideological clarity. Mt Kenya voters are politically alert. A party that promises unity, economic empowerment, 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 alienated by the current leadership are quietly gravitating towards it.

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

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, in a recent interview with Kogi Corner, publicly distanced himself from the Democracy for Citizens Party, days after being dropped from Gachagua’s communications team.

Declaring himself a staunch Jubilee loyalist, Wambugu criticised DCP’s leadership for promoting one-party dominance at the expense of inclusive political dialogue.

“The impeached deputy president is pushing for a monolithic political structure that sidelines divergent voices—a dangerous slide back to dictatorship,” Wambugu said.

On May 9, Wambugu held a closed-door meeting with Jubilee Secretary-General Kioni at party headquarters, after which the two posed for a photo.

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

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

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, says Jubilee 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 being a noise-making platform. The meeting between Uhuru and Ruto might only be a temporary truce. The underlying succession tensions in Mt Kenya still exist,” Minodi said.

Former Jubilee MCA Charles Mwangi echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the party still commands silent loyalty on the ground. He said many grassroots supporters 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 thousands who have gone quiet, but they haven’t shifted loyalty. They’re just waiting for Uhuru to speak. If that moment comes, we could see a reawakening similar to the 2013 wave,” Mwangi said.

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

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