Former Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria now a senior adviser in the State House economic council has expressed regret over the decline of the Jubilee Party, describing the decision to abandon the political outfit as a significant mistake.
The Jubilee Party, which was instrumental in propelling former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his then-deputy William Ruto to power in 2017, has since lost its prominence. Most of its members defected to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party aligned with Ruto.
The party’s disintegration followed Uhuru’s decision to back Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections, a move that severed a 2013 pre-election agreement to support Ruto after Uhuru’s two terms.
Kuria, currently serving as a senior adviser in the economic council at State House after stepping down as a Cabinet Secretary during Gen Z-led anti-government protests, lamented the lack of a unifying political voice in the Mt Kenya region.
“The Mt Kenya region, like all other regions, deserves a strong political voice. It is our inalienable right. For all the good and bad lessons we have learned, it was a mistake to leave the Jubilee Party,” Kuria said.
His comments come at a time when the Mt Kenya region is grappling with political uncertainty following the controversial impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua as Ruto’s deputy. Analysts suggest the fallout has left the vote-rich region open to influence by leading contenders in the 2027 presidential race.
Gachagua was ousted over alleged insubordination and claims of supporting anti-government protests, paving the way for former Interior CS Kithure Kindiki to assume the position of Deputy President. Political observers argue that the fallout has weakened UDA’s foothold in the region, amid signs that Gachagua is forming an alliance with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to challenge Ruto in 2027.
In Kuria’s view, the current political dynamics demand unity within the Mt Kenya region through a single political outfit, preferably the revitalization of the Jubilee Party.
“However, it is not too late. We will now embark on bringing all the political parties with a footing in the region together under the Jubilee Party. We did it in 2016 when we dissolved parties to form Jubilee. We will do it again,” Kuria said in a statement on Tuesday.
The former lawmaker’s remarks followed President Ruto’s surprise visit to Uhuru Kenyatta’s Ichaweri home in Gatundu on Monday. Both leaders issued separate statements confirming that they discussed regional and national matters, sparking speculation about a potential reunion to counter the Gachagua-Kalonzo alliance.
Uhuru, who retained his position as Jubilee Party leader after parting ways with Ruto, remains a co-principal in the Azimio coalition alongside Kalonzo.
Kuria, who also leads his own party, Chama Cha Kazi, believes Uhuru is best positioned to unite the Mt Kenya region amid ongoing political realignments.
“Jubilee under President Kenyatta as the party leader is the way to go. Chama Cha Kazi and myself will devote all our energies to that endeavor,” Kuria affirmed.
