Ex-Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria has made a compelling case for the revival of the Jubilee Party, emphasizing it as a critical mechanism for amplifying the political voice of the Mt Kenya region. As the former ruling party crumbles, Kuria’s remarks reflect a broader struggle within the region to find a unified platform that can effectively articulate its needs and aspirations in the face of shifting political alliances.
The Jubilee Party, once a formidable force that propelled both former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his successor, President William Ruto, to power, has seen a dramatic decline since its peak. The party’s fragmentation began in earnest following the 2022 elections when Uhuru Kenyatta broke ranks with Ruto, backing Raila Odinga in the presidential race. This split not only highlighted a significant political rift within the region but also signaled the end of Jubilee as the dominant party it once was. Most of its members, including key figures from Mt Kenya, defected to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the political vehicle of President Ruto, seeking new alliances and leadership directions.
Kuria’s reflections come at a time when the Mt Kenya region is grappling with a power vacuum, exacerbated by the fallouts within UDA and the ongoing political uncertainty. The impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as the Deputy President and his subsequent replacement by Kithure Kindiki marked a significant shift in the region’s political landscape. The fallout between Ruto and Gachagua over various issues, including alleged involvement in anti-government protests, has weakened UDA’s base in Mt Kenya. This has left the region’s future political direction open for new alliances, with reports of Gachagua assembling a camp with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to challenge Ruto’s influence.
Kuria’s call for the Jubilee Party’s revival is not just a nostalgic yearning for the past; it is a strategic move aimed at consolidating the fractured political landscape of Mt Kenya. He argues that the region’s political voice has been weakened by its dispersion across different parties and alliances. “The Mt Kenya region, like all other regions, deserves a strong political voice. It is our imaginable right,” Kuria stated, reflecting the frustration many in the region feel over the lack of coherent representation. His call echoes a broader desire for a unified front that can effectively negotiate and represent the interests of the people from this influential part of Kenya.
In his statement, Kuria pointed to past successes when the region was able to present a unified front. “For all the good and bad lessons we have learnt, it was a mistake to leave the Jubilee Party,” he remarked, suggesting that the collective strength and influence of the region were diluted when it fractured into smaller factions. He referenced the 2016 formation of Jubilee, which brought together various political entities under one banner to create a formidable force that helped steer the country’s direction for nearly a decade. Kuria believes that a similar strategy can be employed today, albeit with adjustments to address the new political realities.
The former MP’s assertion that it is not too late to restore Jubilee also underscores a sense of urgency in the region. With the 2027 general election looming, there is a growing realization among the political elite from Mt Kenya that they need a robust platform to ensure their voices are heard. Kuria’s proposition to bring all regional parties together under the Jubilee banner could be the only viable solution to avert further political fragmentation. “We will now embark on bringing all the political parties with a footing in the region together under the Jubilee Party,” Kuria stated, highlighting his intention to reignite the party’s influence.
The surprise visit by President Ruto to Uhuru Kenyatta’s home in Gatundu earlier this week, where both leaders discussed national and regional matters, further fueled speculation about a potential Jubilee revival. This meeting, the first private encounter between the former political allies since their fallout, sparked debates on whether a political reunion could reshape the landscape in Mt Kenya. While neither leader has publicly committed to a reunion, the visit has rekindled discussions on the importance of unity and collaboration in the region’s politics.
For Kuria, who now serves as a senior adviser in the economic council at State House, the path to Jubilee’s resurgence involves more than just rhetoric. It requires tangible efforts to unite the region’s diverse political forces. As he pointed out, “Jubilee under President Kenyatta as the party leader is the way to go.” This sentiment reflects a recognition that the former president still holds significant sway in the region and could provide the necessary leadership to bring the fractured political landscape together.
In conclusion, Moses Kuria’s advocacy for the Jubilee Party’s revival is a call to action for Mt Kenya to reclaim its political influence. It reflects a growing realization among the region’s leaders that without a unified voice, they risk being sidelined in the upcoming elections and beyond. As Kuria noted, “It is not too late,” signaling that now is the time to act and restore the party’s role as a unifying force for the region. Whether his vision will come to fruition remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked a necessary conversation about the future of Mt Kenya’s political landscape.
