Why Uhuru’s return to active politics cannot be ignored – Sabina Chege

Jubilee nominated MP, Sabina Chege has said former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s return to active politics is a development that cannot be ignored.

Speaking on Tuesday, Chege said that Uhuru still commands respect in most parts of the Mt Kenya region.

She added that recent political shifts may have rekindled support for the former Head of State, despite the region not electing his preferred candidate in the 2022 general elections.

“Uhuru coming back to politics is a very interesting position and he cannot be ignored,” Chege said on TV47.

“There are people in Mt Kenya who still respect him, and I have also seen others regret that they never listened to him.”

According to the legislator, this is why the united opposition has every reason to be concerned.

She argued that dismissing Uhuru’s relevance based on the 2022 elections would be a mistake, insisting that circumstances have changed.

“They cannot just say that he was there in 2022. The Uhuru of 2022 that many ignored is not the same Uhuru we have in 2025 because a lot has happened since then.”

Her remarks come amid growing debate over Uhuru’s political future, with some leaders suggesting he could play a central role in shaping the Mt Kenya voting bloc ahead of the 2027 elections.

These sentiments have however, been rubbished by leaders allied to deposed Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua. They insist that he is the new kingpin of the Mt Kenya region.

Chege maintained that Uhuru’s influence, combined with shifting alliances, could significantly alter the political landscape.

Her sentiments come after Uhuru, who had previously taken a back seat after leaving office, made a significant return to run his Jubilee party.

Speaking on September 26 during the Jubilee party’s National Delegates Convention, held at the Jockey’s Club in Ngong, Uhuru announced that, like any other political party, Jubilee is preparing for the next general elections and remains determined to field strong candidates.

“The party shall be ready with the best possible candidates in the coming elections,” he said.

He also announced plans to embark on a nationwide "meet the people” tour to different counties, including rural areas, to engage directly with party supporters and local communities.

Uhuru said the initiative aims to strengthen connections between Jubilee leaders and their constituents while charting a clear path forward for the party.

“Mimi nitajitolea sasa kwa sababu tumesema tunataka kuanzisha recruitment drive kuanza kuzunguka mashinani. Kila area tupatane na nyinyi tuongee pamoja na nyinyi.

"So that together we know which direction forward in the future,” he said.

Uhuru urged delegates to engage with local leaders responsibly, reminding them that those holding elective seats are answerable to the people.

“If you want a seat, the owners of those seats are here. Talk to them well, are we in agreement?” he asked.

The former president also vowed to ensure transparency in all party processes, addressing challenges that had previously plagued Jubilee’s internal operations.

“I will make sure I oversee that process until the end, and those problems that occurred earlier, where people were selling tickets and collecting funds according to the money they were given, that system is finished. Transparency will be maintained in all the procedures that we shall follow,” Uhuru said.