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Political parties

Mt Kenya Region Erupts in Political Turmoil as Ex-President Kenyatta's Jubilee Party Makes a Resurgence

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The populous Mt Kenya region has been plunged into a fierce political battle as ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's plot to dominate the region through his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is met with a fierce backlash. Critics of Gachagua are rallying behind former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party, which is being aggressively revived to challenge Gachagua's DCP ahead of the 2027 General Election. Part of the grand plan includes having former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i run for president on the Jubilee ticket, a move aimed at denying Gachagua a stranglehold on the region. Gachagua has accused Kenyatta of enabling President William Ruto to infiltrate Mt Kenya's political heart during the last election, sparking a war of words between the two leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party is being aggressively revived to challenge ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in the 2027 General Election.
  • Gachagua's critics, including former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, are rallying behind Jubilee, which is seen as a more viable option for the region due to its name recognition and the development record of Kenyatta's administration.
  • Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i is set to run for president on the Jubilee ticket, a move aimed at denying Gachagua a stranglehold on the region.
  • Gachagua has accused Kenyatta of enabling President William Ruto to infiltrate Mt Kenya's political heart during the last election, sparking a war of words between the two leaders.
  • The Mt Kenya region is considered a crucial voting bloc in the 2027 presidential race, with Gachagua's DCP facing stiff challenges from Jubilee and other opposition parties.
  • Kenya Kwanza politician Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru has accused Gachagua of seeking to divide the region and promote individuals who will help President Ruto win a second term.

Statistics:

  • Mt Kenya region has 26 parliamentary seats, a significant chunk of the 349-seat parliament.
  • Gachagua's DCP has about 20,000 members, while Jubilee has around 100,000 members in the region.
  • Matiang'i is seen as a more charismatic and popular candidate than Gachagua in the region.
  • Kenyatta's Jubilee Party has a strong development record in the region, with many infrastructure projects and programmes launched during his administration.
  • Ruto's Kenya Kwanza has about 50,000 members in the region, with Gachagua's DCP having around 20,000 members.

Sources:

  • Kameme TV interview with Rigathi Gachagua
  • Nation interview with Moses Kuria
  • Interview with Jeremiah Kioni, Jubilee Party Secretary-General
  • Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka's interview on Jubilee's potential as a presidential vehicle for Matiang'i.

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