By TWV Political Desk
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is at the centre of high-stakes political strategising as pressure mounts to select a suitable running mate for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, the Jubilee Party’s expected presidential candidate for the 2027 race. While Kenyatta remains tight-lipped in public, insiders confirm that intensive consultations are underway behind closed doors. His focus is on identifying a partner who can complement Matiang’i, secure regional votes, and strengthen Jubilee’s bid to return to power without fracturing the party’s fragile internal cohesion.
The search for a running mate is complex. Analysts note that lobbying within Jubilee has intensified, with several prominent figures positioning themselves as viable candidates. Kenyatta’s aversion to pre-election coalitions complicates matters, as he seeks to project Jubilee as a revitalised and independent political force.
“There is a deliberate effort by Uhuru to keep things tightly under wraps,” a source close to his inner circle revealed. “He wants Jubilee to go it alone, no deals with Kalonzo, definitely no handshake with Gachagua.”
This stance eliminates key political figures from consideration. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, once a central Mount Kenya figure, is reportedly off the table. So is Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, whose previous alignments have not inspired confidence among Kenyatta’s strategists.
Mount Kenya remains critical, with Kenyatta under pressure to select a running mate from the region to win back voters who supported Kenya Kwanza in 2022. A shortlist of potential candidates includes Martha Karua, Peter Kenneth, Lee Kinyanjui, Mutahi Kagwe, Justin Muturi, and Muhoho Kenyatta, the retired president’s brother.
However, some in Jubilee advocate breaking tradition by selecting a running mate from outside Mount Kenya. Names from Western Kenya, Eugene Wamalwa and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, are gaining traction due to their growing popularity and potential to challenge Kenya Kwanza’s regional dominance.
The political calculus remains fluid. A key factor is whether Gachagua enters the 2027 race or supports another contender, possibly Kalonzo, with a Mount Kenya deputy. If this scenario unfolds, Jubilee may need to counter with a running mate from the same region to neutralise the ethnic arithmetic.
For now, Kenyatta is keeping his strategy discreet, aware that his decision will shape both the party’s campaign narrative and his political legacy. “The choice of Matiang’i’s running mate could make or break Jubilee’s return to national leadership,” a senior party operative told The Weekly Vision. “It’s not about ethnicity alone; it’s about chemistry, competence, and credibility.”
As the 2027 election approaches, Kenyatta must weigh his options carefully. The stakes are exceptionally high.
