Uhuru Plots Major Political Comeback Ahead of 2027

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has re-entered Kenya’s political scene, endorsing former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as his preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential race.

Speaking at a Jubilee Party leaders’ meeting in Murang’a County on Friday, Kenyatta said his new focus is to “correct the mistakes of 2022” and rebuild a politics based on unity and performance. The former head of state, who backed Raila Odinga in the last general election, described Matiang’i as a disciplined and capable leader.

“I chose Matiang’i not out of favouritism or familiarity. I have never even been to his home,” he said. “He is not a politician, but he is a worker-ready to learn and to serve.”

Uhuru’s endorsement has stirred renewed activity within Mt Kenya politics, where Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been strengthening his own base ahead of 2027. Gachagua, who recently launched the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) as a regional vehicle, dismissed Kenyatta’s return, saying: “Uhuru Kenyatta is the past; I am the present and the future.”

Uhuru responded with humour, telling supporters, “Indeed, I am the past. My wife and I can grow arrowroots at home. But you, the people, must decide your future.” He emphasised that his renewed involvement was not about personal ambition but about advancing national unity.

The former president also cautioned members of his party against personal attacks, criticising Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni for publicly insulting Gachagua. “Let us sell ideas, not insults,” he said, calling such conduct “rubbish” that has no place in Jubilee. “Anyone using my party to attack others will be shown the door.”

Kioni declined to comment, but several Jubilee officials, including Chairman Saitoti Torome, distanced the party from Kioni’s remarks, saying official statements must come from authorised party organs. Supporters of Gachagua welcomed Kenyatta’s intervention, calling it a positive step towards restoring civility in Mt Kenya politics.

Observers view Uhuru’s appeal for restraint as an effort to soften Jubilee’s image and potentially open space for future cooperation with Gachagua, whose influence in the region remains significant. Political analyst Peter Kagwanja noted that 
“Uhuru’s endorsement of Matiang’i introduces a new axis in Mt Kenya politics” and raises the question of whether Jubilee will rebuild as a moderate national party or as a rival to President Ruto’s alliance.

Reflecting on his own time in office, Uhuru admitted that divisive politics had held Kenya back. “I was part of that problem,” he said. “But I realised our country cannot thrive on insults and tribalism. We must elect workers, not entertainers.”

Matiang’i thanked Uhuru for his support, saying his political aspirations were guided by the former president’s vision of a united and accountable nation. “Through them, I became who I am,” he said. “I share Uhuru Kenyatta’s vision for a united, accountable and productive nation.”

Uhuru also addressed Jubilee’s poor performance in the 2022 elections, when Ruto secured about 87 per cent of Mt Kenya votes. He told delegates the region had made “a poor political choice” and urged them to “re-plan and relaunch” their political strategy.

In his closing remarks, he appealed to young people to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future. “Power belongs to you,” he said. “Question those with big cars and big tummies like mine. The future is yours to define.”

Uhuru’s renewed activity places him back in Kenya’s political arena, setting the stage for a potentially complex 2027 race that could pit his Jubilee-backed candidate against President Ruto’s UDA and other emerging alliances.