A split mountain? How Uhuru's Jubilee comeback shakes up Gachagua's grip

The Mt Kenya region, regarded as a vote-rich area, has witnessed dramatic political twists as parties and politicians begin aligning themselves in preparation for the next General Election.

Historically, the region has carried significant weight in national politics. Today, however, there is heightened political activity amid questions over who holds the mantle of the so-called Mt Kenya ‘kingpin’—former President Uhuru Kenyatta or former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Perceived political tensions between Uhuru and Gachagua—once close allies—have fuelled concerns over the risks of fragmenting a crucial voting bloc, against a backdrop of unprecedented disunity.

Since his impeachment about a year ago, Gachagua has worked tirelessly to re-establish his political footing, insisting the Mt Kenya region must first be consolidated before expanding alliances to other regions.

He spent months in what he described as consultations with residents, seeking common political ground and greater bargaining power for the region.

As he launched his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Gachagua declared that the region would never again enter political agreements blindly, without a solid foundation. He has repeatedly vowed to protect Mt Kenya’s political voice, accusing President William Ruto of a deliberate push to weaken and divide the region.

“People of Mt Kenya hate betrayal, deception, lies and hate being misused. Never again will the region be taken for granted, we will have better bargaining power with like-minded parties and coalitions,” Gachagua has previously indicated.

Questions persist over the region’s political direction, particularly after Jubilee Party’s resurgence following prolonged court battles—a development that has left some Mt Kenya politicians with mixed feelings.

While critics argue Jubilee’s revival could split the vote, others defend it as the party’s democratic right to re-strategise ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Jubilee has been accused of being part of a well-choreographed plan to divide the opposition to benefit the President, amid insistence that DCP is the party of the moment in the region

On Sunday, Gachagua moved to allay fears of the status of united opposition saying they are united more than ever for a common course.

“Do not be worried, Wiper, DCP, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) People’s Liberation Party, we are one family and we will agree. No one will break the opposition, we will agree on one person,” said Gachagua.

During Jubilee’s delegates conference on Friday, Uhuru said the party will decide whether to continue with Azimio or walk away, admitting the political situation in the coalition has since changed.

“The Azimio coalition membership has undergone changes. As we speak, the party remains a member of what is left of this coalition. Whether we reinvest in it or leave will be a party decision,” Uhuru said, urging reflection on Jubilee’s future.

Mixed reactions

But some Gachagua allies criticised Jubilee, branding it an “emerging wheelbarrow” designed to weaken DCP. DCP deputy leader Cleophas Malala claimed Jubilee’s agenda was to undercut Gachagua’s popularity in the region.

“That party must be warned. If you are in the united opposition, do not come to divide the DCP stronghold. You have now been sent with the red wheelbarrow—it has no good intentions for our party leader,” Malala warned.

Kathiani MP Robert Mbui echoed similar concerns, saying: “It doesn’t matter what colour you paint the wheelbarrow; it remains a wheelbarrow. In 2027, we have our leaders.”

Former Cabinet Minister Justin Muturi struck a more conciliatory note, arguing Jubilee’s actions were legitimate and within its rights as a registered party.

“The only challenge which we can all see is the issue of them being in Azimio, they are not the only ones because Wiper is in Azimio and the biggest party there is ODM, which is in Government, that is the current confusion. Azimio still remains as an entity, it has not been disbanded,” Muturi told the Standard.

“What confusion is he (Uhuru) bringing? … I think sometimes people like fighting shadows because Jubilee is still a registered party, it has Members of Parliament and Assemblies so do we begin wishing it away?" he posed. 

On his part, Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni welcomed the outcome of the meeting, which rattled a section of politicians.

“I see many people are a little rattled. What may have surprised many is when the party leader spoke of Azimio Coalition agreement. It was to remind everyone that before they were ‘born’ we had been ‘born’ into the opposition through the 2022 electoral process,” he said in an interview with Spice FM yesterday.

As of now, Kioni said Jubilee is in Azimio and also in the opposition until such a time when delegates again decide which other coalition or formation they would want to join.

“That doesn't mean that you don't work with others but it is good to remain respectful to document signed because that's part of fidelity to multiparty democracy. And if ODM had not betrayed the document, we will be doing a little better as a unit,” he stated.

During the meeting, Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said members had been directed to begin nationwide registration and to prepare for the 2027 electoral process. Following the outcome of the gathering, he declared the party ready to “move the pin further.”

“Instead of rushing into early campaigns, you must first engage your members. The question is: why do you want to be a leader? What is your track record? Is it because you are a victim of something, or because you have something meaningful to offer? These are the conversations we will have with our people to ensure we raise the quality of leaders put into positions of authority in 2027,” Kioni insisted.

He added: “What puzzles me is how those who want us to be part of the united opposition are so vicious against Jubilee’s rejuvenation. We have fought for our survival in the courts for three years. Many sounded supportive during that struggle, but now that we are emerging stronger, instead of celebrating with us, they brand us ‘red wheelbarrows’ sent to split the opposition. It is as if they never meant us well.”

Kioni argued that it was premature to focus on a single opposition flagbearer when the election had not yet been called and parties were still reorganising.

“At present, the only person who has declared interest in running on a Jubilee ticket is Dr Fred Matiang’i. If they truly want a united opposition, why the onslaught against us? How can you call us a red wheelbarrow and at the same time expect to cohabit politically with us?” he posed.

He emphasised Jubilee’s readiness to work with like-minded parties, noting that in recent weeks he had met with leaders of more than a dozen political parties. He warned, however, that Jubilee “cannot and will not be bullied.”

“Even when Matiang’i attends meetings with them, they deliberately write his name without mentioning his party, as if Jubilee does not exist. In private, they tell him not to join us. At one point, they even suggested he form a small village party in Kisii instead. If you really want us at your table, why dictate which party we should come with? Do they think Matiang’i can be bullied?” Kioni asked.

Public policy analyst Kimani Mwangi separately observed that Mt Kenya appeared unlikely to produce a presidential candidate in 2027, although Gachagua still seemed determined to vie for the top seat.

“In Kenya’s politics of identity—tribes and blocs—Gachagua has been fighting hard to cement himself as Mt Kenya’s kingpin. But now Uhuru has returned with Jubilee, which, despite facing relentless attacks, still managed to win 28 seats in the last election. By all measures, Jubilee remains a strong party,” Mwangi said.

“Gachagua took the mountain from Uhuru and handed it to Ruto. Now Uhuru wants to recapture it. With Jubilee rejuvenated, he is serious. He is already pushing for a ‘meet the people’ tour—effectively campaigning for Matiang’i in Mt Kenya,” he added.

Mwangi warned Gachagua to tread carefully: “This does not look like it will end well for him. He has made too many enemies in pursuit of the mountain, to the extent of risking his own presidential ambitions.”

Former MP Kabando wa Kabando said he currently supports Gachagua and the united opposition, but stressed that Uhuru still commands influence despite being a retired president.

“Uhuru and Gachagua have worked together in the past. They do not have to agree on everything. Some fear Jubilee’s comeback will cost them seats, while some Jubilee figures believe Uhuru is fighting Gachagua. The truth is, parties are simply competing for political space,” Kabando said in a televised interview yesterday.

He noted that rivalries over seats breed enmity but stressed the need for “political hygiene.” He nonetheless acknowledged Gachagua’s significant grassroots following.

“Gachagua is currently the man of the moment. He has been outspoken against the Government and deserves credit for that. He has the confidence and must continue reaching out across the country,” Kabando said, while also insisting that Mt Kenya unity would not fracture, as both Jubilee and DCP would field candidates in 2027.

Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, meanwhile, praised Kenya’s democratic evolution, noting its steady growth over three decades.

“In 2027, a new chapter will be written in Kenya’s democratic journey. Uhuru has every right to express his views and to promote Jubilee as its party leader. I stand with Uhuru Kenyatta,” Kuria stated.