Uhuru Kenyatta to ‘Pull Strings from the Shadows’ Ahead of 2027, Jubilee Insider Reveals
A senior Jubilee Party official has shed light on the quiet but potentially decisive role former President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to play as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on May 6, 2026, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader (Outreach) Joseph Manje disclosed that Mr Kenyatta is unlikely to publicly endorse any candidates. Instead, he will reportedly adopt a behind-the-scenes strategy—offering counsel and influence without stepping into the political spotlight.
According to Manje, the former Head of State’s involvement in shaping political direction should not be viewed as controversial.
“There is nothing legally or morally wrong with a retired president advising Kenyans on leadership choices,” he said, defending Kenyatta’s anticipated role.
Manje further argued that Kenyatta’s guidance carries weight due to his firsthand experience working with key figures in government. He pointed to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as an example of a leader whose capabilities Kenyatta understands intimately.
“I don’t see anything wrong for a former president to guide Kenyans on the correct person,” Manje explained. “If he says Matiang’i is the right person at a particular time, he is speaking from a point of information—he worked with these ministers. Every time he gave Matiang’i a task, he executed it with precision.”
The remarks are likely to reignite debate over the influence of former presidents in active politics, particularly as succession dynamics begin to take shape ahead of the next election cycle.
While Kenyatta has largely maintained a low public profile since leaving office, insiders now suggest his political voice could still carry significant weight—albeit quietly—within key power circles.
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