Uhuru dalliance with Matiang'i may revive rivalry with Gachagua

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is set to lead a Jubilee Party Special National Delegates Conference in a move likely to define the political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.

The meeting could also inform his relationship with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The close ties between the two turned into a bruising political relationship during the 2022 elections after Gachagua’s move to support President William Ruto while Uhuru backed ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency.

The former President seeks to hand over the leadership of the party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, who has declared his presidential bid in 2027.

On September 26, Uhuru will be confirming to his supporters, who largely hail from Mt Kenya, that his preferred presidential interest is Dr Matiang'i. 

Gachagua has already formed a political party that he believes will carry the aspirations of the region.

During campaigns and after the new government was sworn in, Gachagua was the rampage, accusing Uhuru of weaponising State agencies to target him because of his political stand after he was arrested and taken to court with corruption related charges.

But after falling out with Ruto, he apologosed to the Kenyattas, claiming he was misled to attack Uhuru and his mother Mama Ngina.

But even before Jubilee holds the conference, cracks appear to be emerging within the so-called United Opposition after the party disregarded fielding one candidate in Mbeere North by-election and fronted Jacob Ireri to face Newton Kariuki of Democratic Party, among other aspirants.

Gachagua had on Wednesday announced his decision to drop his candidate Duncan Mbui in the spirit of unity in the Opposition, saying that it was only fair for DP headed by Justin Muturi to retain its seat.

“We have agreed that DCP will support the Democratic Party in Mbeere North constituency, acknowledging that the seat was previously held by the Democratic Party and should rightfully be retained for the party’s candidate to complete a full term,” he said.

However, a Jubilee official, Kirika Githaiga, dismissed the unity talk, defending the move to pick a flag bearer.

“While 'opposition unity' is a frequent talking point, we must look beyond mere political expediency. We should be evaluating candidates on their individual merit and proven track record. Why should we deny a great individual the opportunity to offer himself? And why must we sacrifice good leadership for the sake of a compromised unity?” he said.

When asked whether he belonged to the United Opposition, Githaiga replied: “I am a proud member of the Jubilee Party. A party that has been in opposition since 2022... A party that does not require validation from Wamunyoro.” 

A campaign photo of the Jubilee candidate bears the image of Uhuru and Matiang'i in what can be interpreted to mean that the deal is sealed to have the former CS as the party leader.

Yesterday, Matiang'i was in Embu where he met members of the Embu Professional Association, an indication of a bruising battle between him and the colleague’s members of the Opposition.

A section of the Jubilee members has opposed the move by the party to field a candidate, claiming it was a decision by some of the officials to embarrass Uhuru and divide the entire Opposition.

“All political parties in the United Opposition are rallying behind Newton Karish of the DP party. Jubilee, being part of this coalition, has always been represented in the meetings by its chairman, Saitoti Torome. Yet Kioni decides to field a candidate. To make matters worse, he drags in Uhuru and Matiang’i clearly on a mission to embarrass them,” said Judy Muthoga, a Jubilee member.

Political analyst Joshua Mwangi said should Uhuru go ahead and push Matiang'i to the party leadership, it would be an indication that he and Gachagua did not have a truce.

“Gachagua might want to go for Uhuru’s jugular as he pleads with the region to continue supporting his party and not the Jubilee Party and this will put him and the former President at loggerheads, which risks dividing the region further,” he said.

But Muthoga differed, noting that the battle would be between Matiang'i and Gachagua.

“There is no likelihood that Uhuru will be on car rooftops to engage in politics, but Gachagua will have to deal with Matiang'i politically as he must defend his region from political intrusion. I foresee a scenario where the Jubilee Party will have influence in Kisii given the regional nature of our country where communities coalesce around its ethnic leader,” she argued.