Uhuru Restores Control Over Jubilee as Kalonzo Rebrands Wiper

In advance of Kenya's 2027 general elections, significant realignments are underway within the country's political parties, signalling a period of intense competition and strategic repositioning. 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has reasserted control over the Jubilee Party, while former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka is spearheading a rebranding initiative for his party, now known as the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF). The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties has formally recognised Uhuru as the leader of the Jubilee Party in a gazette notice. 

This confirmation effectively ends a year-long leadership dispute and affirms the outcomes of the party's National Delegates Convention (NDC) held in May 2023. Key allies of Uhuru, Jeremiah Kioni and David Murathe, have been appointed as Secretary-General and Deputy National Chairman, respectively. The gazette notice invalidates claims made by a rival faction within Jubilee, led by nominated MP Sabina Chege and East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega, who aligned themselves with President William Ruto's administration. 

Their attempted seizure of party leadership roles has been officially dismissed, resolving a conflict that threatened Jubilee's unity. Additional appointments ratified in the gazette include Saitoti Torome as National Chairman, succeeding Nelson Dzuya; Beatrice Gambo as Deputy Party Leader for Strategy, replacing Jimmy Angwenyi; and Yasin Noor as Deputy Secretary-General, taking over from Joshua Kutuny.

Mr Kioni hailed the announcement as a "significant victory" that restores clarity and legitimacy to the party's leadership. He indicated that reconciliation would be necessary for those who supported the rival faction to regain the trust of party members. "This notice settles the confusion that has been there in the party," Mr Kioni stated. "Those who plotted the coup have a lot to do to win back the trust of the party members."

With Uhuru's faction now firmly in control, Jubilee is also preparing for the 2027 presidential race. Support is coalescing around former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, whose potential candidacy is anticipated to test the existing political alliances. Simultaneously, Kalonzo Musyoka's Wiper Democratic Movement has undergone a strategic transformation, rebranding itself as the Wiper Patriotic Front. This change, also formalised through a separate gazette notice, aims to broaden the party's appeal beyond its traditional Ukambani base.

Speaking at a public event in Ukambani, Kalonzo characterised the rebrand as a response to changing generational dynamics and an effort to engage with Kenya's growing youth population. This move underscores the increasing recognition among political figures of the influence wielded by Generation Z voters, who prioritise authenticity, innovative policies, and cultural relevance. Born between the late 1990s and 2010, this cohort represents a rising force within the electorate, compelling political parties to adapt and reflect their values. Wiper's rebranding serves as a clear example of this strategic recalibration.

Wiper's origins date back to the post-2007 split within the Orange Democratic Movement, which led to Kalonzo's departure from opposition leader Raila Odinga. Although Kalonzo has not launched a presidential campaign since then, he has remained a prominent figure, endorsing Raila in past elections and serving as designated Prime Cabinet Secretary in the Azimio la Umoja coalition. These developments within Jubilee and Wiper are indicative of a broader trend of political reinvention as Kenya approaches its next election cycle. 

Recent weeks have seen a surge in new political entities, with the Registrar of Political Parties granting provisional registration to at least 14 new parties. These include the Economic Pillars Alliance, Accountability and Transparency Party, and the Kenya Liberation Movement, among others.