The Deputy Party Leader of the Jubilee Party, Jeremiah Kioni, has expressed concern over the changing political fortunes in Mt Kenya and has warned that emerging political formations are aggressively forging themselves and the political strength of the rival parties in the 2027 succession race is being undermined.

Speaking in a morning interview with a local radio station on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Kioni has lamented that the Jubilee party has weakened, especially in the Mt Kenya region, where he feels opponents have taken advantage of the situation to gain ground.

“I feel a little unhappy because during this transition, Jubilee has lost ground, especially in the mountains; Gachagua seized it and has run with it. The people who were fighting for Jubileeee when I was fighting for its survival could easily be benefiting again because of this lull we are having as we take off,” Kioni said.

According to Kioni, who said that the DCP Party allied to the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua is not in the hearts of people, but they are the ones knocking on the doors.

“DCP Party is not deeply in the hearts of people, but they are the ones knocking on doors,” Kioni added.

Kioni: Gachagua is craftier

Kioni went on to say that Gachagua has been more strategic and effective in marketing his Democratic for the Citizens Party (DCP) than the other members in the wider opposition, stating that his political messaging and grassroots mobilisation have provided him with an early advantage in shaping regional support.

The remarks by Kioni indicate that Jubilee is concerned that the active mobilisation by new political players can potentially redefine voter perceptions, even in areas where more highly organised voter loyalties exist.

He also cautioned that any opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i would run the risk of being overtaken by Gachagua’s realignments.

“Just like it was not possible before, Gachagua will run for the presidency, and when he runs, Kalonzo and Matiang’i should ask themselves where they will be,” Kioni added.

With Mt Kenya increasingly becoming a major battlefield in the run-up to 2027, there is a growing competition between the two political parties, which is shaping up to be a high-stakes political battle ahead of the coalition formation.