How Uhuru Kenyatta is quietly shaping Kenya’s 2027 political battle

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is quietly asserting his influence in Kenya’s run‑up to the 2027 general election, signalling that his political presence remains far from dormant. Though officially retired, Kenyatta has been steadily reactivating his networks, reinforcing his home region of Mt Kenya and reviving the Jubilee Party as a viable force in the national contest. Strategic moves include aligning with potential presidential hopefuls and reasserting his position as king‑maker behind the scenes.
Kenyatta’s approach hinges on a low‑profile but highly strategic revival. He has reportedly orchestrated meetings at his Gatundu residence, reactivated the Jubilee grassroots network, and endorsed Fred Matiang’i as a potential presidential candidate, positioning him as the heir to Kenyatta’s developmental legacy and gateway to Mt Kenya’s vote block.
Mwakilishi
At the same time, he has critiqued President William Ruto’s stewardship—particularly heading into 2027—marking a clear recalibration of regional loyalties and signalling the resurgence of Jubilee’s influence.
Reactions to Kenyatta’s renewed political activism have been mixed. Supporters view his comeback as a stabilising intervention that could restore focus on governance, development and competency ahead of the next election. Critics, however, caution that his resurgence complicates the Mt Kenya power map—especially for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua—and may deepen divisions rather than healing them. Analysts note that while Kenyatta’s financial resources, institutional legacy and regional networks give him leverage, he must now translate this into concrete coalition‑building beyond his base if he is to impact the national outcome.
Looking ahead, the key questions will be whether Kenyatta can convert his behind‑the‑scenes manoeuvres into a viable electoral vehicle for 2027. If Jubilee under his guidance returns to the ballot as a competitive force, or if he successfully elevates a candidate like Matiang’i to national relevance, he could reshape the political terrain. Conversely, failure to broaden appeal beyond Mt Kenya or reconcile regional tensions could see his influence fade once more—leaving the 2027 race open to other emerging coalitions and challenge