In a dramatic admission that underscores the enduring power of traditional ethnic kingpins over youthful idealism, prominent political activist Morara Kebaso has defended his sudden defection to the mainstream Jubilee Party, revealing that the immense grassroots influence of former Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i forced him to abandon his independent political vehicle.

Speaking during a live television interview on Wednesday night, July 8, 2026, Morara laid bare the strategic calculations that led him to dissolve his youthful Inject Party, a move that has recently drawn fierce criticism from supporters who accused him of betraying the anti-establishment ethos of the country’s youth movement.

The accountability activist faced an aggressive grilling from viewers who questioned his political consistency.

One particularly pointed comment read on air stated: “Can you tell Morara awache kutubeba ufala. He is the one who instructed most youths to boycott political parties because they were ethnic-based. Why did he jump from his Inject Party to Jubilee? WCB Watu si mafala.”

Responding to the viewer’s criticism, Morara argued that the realities of rural political mobilisation require a stark departure from purely ideological activism, particularly within his native Gusii region.

“There is a difference between the Kenya we want and the Kenya that we are living in,” Morara Kebaso noted.

“The Kenyan that we are living in when I go to the village to talk to wamama pale Kiabonyoro ward, she tells me anataka salamu ya Matiang’i na anataka kuniona kwa kofia ya red. So sometimes I may have very brilliant ideas, but nobody in the village is gonna listen to these brilliant ideas if I don’t come in a red cap na nisipoleta salamu ya Dr Fred Matiang’i. So we have to be practical,” he added.

The Jubilee Party, historically associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and recognised by its signature red branding, remains heavily reliant on regional alliances to maintain its footing in the current political landscape.

According to Morara, invoking the name of Matiang’i – who wields immense political capital in Nyamira and Kisii counties – now seems to be a mandatory rite of passage for any candidate seeking an audience with the electorate there.

“In Kisii region, if you don’t say Fred Matiang’i before your speech, they won’t listen,” he added.

The admission highlights the complex transition facing many newly minted leaders who rose to prominence during recent youth-led anti-government protests, as they navigate a deeply entrenched political ecosystem where regional elders and established party machinery still dictate the rules of survival.