Uhuru reveals 2027 comeback plan

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has re‑entered the Kenyan political theatre, unveiling plans to reclaim influence ahead of the 2027 general election. Speaking at a gathering of the Jubilee Party leadership in Murang’a County, Kenyatta pledged to correct the missteps of the 2022 electoral cycle and set a new agenda rooted in unity, performance and regional balance. The move signals his readiness to shape the next phase of Kenya’s politics.
The veteran leader didn’t stop at rhetoric: Kenyatta endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as his preferred figure for the coming elections, describing him as disciplined, capable and free from entrenched political baggage. He emphasised his backing was not based on familiarity or favouritism, saying: I have never even been to his home. In doing so, Kenyatta directly signalled a shift in the Mt Kenya region’s political alignment—a traditional stronghold that has recently shown signs of shifting loyalties.
Allies in Jubilee interpreted the announcement as a strategic repositioning: moving from being an outgoing national leader to a power‑broker influencing the next coalition architecture. Some analysts see this as Kenyatta knitting together a counter‑force to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of 2027.
Reactions have been swift. Supporters inside Jubilee welcomed Kenyatta’s renewed engagement, viewing it as a chance to rebuild the party’s relevance and expand its appeal beyond its Mt Kenya base. However, critics and rival regional actors interpreted the move as a direct challenge to incumbent President William Ruto’s dominance, warning of intensified coalition‑battles and shifting regional loyalties. Analysts pointed out that if Kenyatta’s strategy succeeds, it could transform the Mt Kenya vote map and inject fresh volatility into the national race.
Looking ahead, the next 18‑24 months will be critical. The key questions are whether Kenyatta can convert his faded influence into actionable support, whether Jubilee can deliver a coherent nationwide structure, and whether his backing of Matiang’i will translate into traction at the grassroots. If these elements fall into place, Kenya could be witnessing the emergence of a new king‑maker role for Kenyatta in 2027. If not, his return might represent a high‑profile attempt that fades amid stronger juggernauts and shifting alliances.