Uhuru Kenyatta Draws Battle Lines in Mt. Kenya Politics Defends Gachagua and Warns Jubilee Rebels to Toe the Line

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has waded into the growing political tension within the Jubilee Party, warning leaders against attacking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking during a Jubilee grassroots meeting in Murang’a, Uhuru condemned the abusive political tone taken by some of his allies, accusing them of promoting division instead of unity.

His remarks come at a time when tribal loyalties are hardening across Mt. Kenya, with 2027 shaping into a fierce contest for the region’s political soul.

Uhuru’s Tough Warning and the Battle for Respect in Mt. Kenya Politics

Uhuru Kenyatta, visibly agitated, accused certain Jubilee officials of engaging in online insults and factional battles instead of strengthening the party. “I’m saddened to see people on social media who pretend to defend the party by insulting Rigathi Gachagua and others,” he said. “I don’t want that nonsense in my party. People should do their politics respectfully.”

He added that he would not hesitate to expel any member who continued to insult Gachagua or other leaders. “Before I hand over this party, if they continue doing so, I will call them out and send them packing,” he said.

The former president directed his warning particularly at Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, who has been one of Gachagua’s most vocal critics. Uhuru urged Kioni and other party officials to focus on rebuilding the party’s grassroots base rather than attacking individuals. “Instead of wasting time insulting leaders on social media, go out and sell our agenda,” he said.

Uhuru’s move is widely seen as an attempt to consolidate his Mt. Kenya support base ahead of 2027, when he is expected to back a presidential candidate capable of challenging President William Ruto’s dominance in the region.

Mt. Kenya Politics Enter a New Phase of Realignment

The former president’s remarks have reignited debate about Mt. Kenya’s political direction. With the 2027 elections fast approaching, local leaders are scrambling to position themselves around key power brokers. Uhuru’s public defence of Gachagua—once his fierce rival—signals a shift in alliances and a calculated attempt to rally the Kikuyu community behind a unified agenda.

Analysts believe Uhuru is seeking to neutralize internal divisions that could weaken his influence in Mt. Kenya politics. By extending an olive branch to Gachagua, Uhuru aims to rebrand Jubilee as a mature political force capable of negotiating for power on its own terms. His comments also reflect his desire to distance himself from the perception that Jubilee is fractured and leaderless.

The tension between Gachagua and some Jubilee officials stems from competing ambitions for control of the Mt. Kenya bloc. While Gachagua has been working to cement his grip on the region under the UDA banner, Uhuru’s allies have sought to counter that influence through opposition politics. Uhuru’s latest intervention, therefore, could be a strategic move to avoid a full-scale split that would benefit Ruto’s camp.

Uhuru Backs Matiang’i and Hints at Broader Opposition Unity

During the meeting, Uhuru also endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i for the presidency. He described him as a hardworking leader whose record speaks for itself. “I have worked with Matiang’i, and I know his potential. His achievements during our administration are visible,” Uhuru said.

He dismissed claims that his support for Matiang’i is based on personal loyalty, insisting it stems from competence and experience. Political observers interpret this endorsement as part of Uhuru’s broader strategy to build a formidable opposition alliance anchored on experience and national appeal.

His remarks appear designed to send a message that his camp is organizing for 2027, with a possible Uhuru-Matiang’i axis taking shape. However, this positioning will require careful balancing to maintain unity within Mt. Kenya while also appealing to other regions skeptical of Kikuyu dominance.

Tribal Politics Take Center Stage in Mt. Kenya Ahead of 2027

Uhuru’s warning to Jubilee leaders also underscores the resurgence of tribal politics in Mt. Kenya. Despite public calls for issue-based politics, ethnic loyalty remains a decisive factor in regional elections. Uhuru’s defence of Gachagua—whom many in the region still view as a “son of the soil”—plays into this dynamic.

By aligning himself with Gachagua, Uhuru is attempting to reclaim lost ground among Kikuyu voters who shifted to Ruto in 2022. His remarks were not just about party discipline; they were about sending a clear message that the Mt. Kenya vote must be consolidated and respected.

Political insiders say Uhuru’s latest move could reshape alliances across central Kenya. If he manages to rally the region around a single political agenda, it could complicate President Ruto’s re-election path and re-energize the opposition’s push for unity.

For now, Jubilee’s internal discipline remains a test of Uhuru’s authority. But one thing is clear: Mt. Kenya politics are once again at the heart of Kenya’s next great political battle—and Uhuru Kenyatta is not leaving the stage quietly.

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