Uhuru meetings spark speculations over Jubilee's 2027 election plans

In what appears to be the clearest indication yet that he will be a key factor in the 2027 General Election, Kenyatta on Tuesday called for a special national delegates convention of the Jubilee Party to discuss, among other things, the party’s direction in preparation for the 2027 polls.

This move, coupled with several others in the recent past, has placed the Jubilee Party leader under sharp focus three years after leaving office, raising speculation about his increasingly busy political calendar. 

Despite retiring from the presidency about three years ago, the retired president's political shadow continues to loom large. His rare but occasional appearances have sparked speculation within political circles in the country.

And just a day after holding a crucial national executive committee meeting of the Jubilee Party at the party’s headquarters, the Jubilee Party leader has called for a special national delegates convention later in the month.

In a notice issued to all the members, Kenyatta gave a 21 days' notice for a special national delegates convention to be held at the Jockey Club, Nairobi, Kenya.

The former head of state highlighted three key agenda items for the meeting, including: Receiving a status report from the national executive committee, reviewing, formulating and approving party policies and considering and approving any other matters. 

However, the details of the closed-door NEC meeting, which lasted for about two hours on Tuesday, have remained scant. 

Some of the members who attended the meeting told Citizen TV that the party also discussed its possible flagbearer in the 2027 elections, details which were contested by a section of other attendees.

The party has been courting former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i as a possible candidate. 

However, the party is also said to have floated the idea of backing ODM leader Raila Odinga, should he sever ties with President William Ruto.

The meeting also came only four days after Kenyatta had an encounter with his successor, President William Ruto, at State House, Nairobi. 

The two met on the sidelines of a joint meeting of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on the DRC peace process.

The two leaders, who appeared to be in high spirits, were seen exchanging pleasantries, with President Ruto taking his former boss on a house tour of the refurbished State House.

President Kenyatta’s private office has also seen high-ranking international guests visit. Just a week ago, Kenyatta held discussions with the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan.

The former head of state also met President Ruto in December last year at his Ichaweri home in Gatundu, Kiambu County.

That engagement was followed by the appointment of some of Kenyatta’s close allies to powerful dockets in the Kenya Kwanza government.

"Pursuant to Article 8.1 and 10.1 of the Jubilee Party Constitution, 21 days' notice is hereby issued for a special national delegates convention to be held at the Jockey Club, Nairobi, Kenya," said Uhuru Kenyatta, party leader, Jubilee Party.