NAIROBI – Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni has defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta's continued influence in national politics, arguing that while Kenya has no constitutional office known as a political kingpin, Uhuru would naturally occupy such a position because of his broad national appeal.
Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Monday, June 29, 2026, Kioni dismissed claims that different regions of the country each have their own political kingpins, maintaining that the Constitution recognises no such office.
"There is no office called kingpin. But if there were such an office, former President Uhuru Kenyatta would be the one holding it because he is listened to by all the communities in this country," Kioni said.
The Jubilee official argued that Uhuru's influence extends far beyond his political backyard, describing the retired Head of State as one of the few Kenyan leaders whose voice continues to resonate across regional and ethnic divides.
According to Kioni, the former president enjoys widespread respect from Kenyans regardless of their political affiliation, making him a unique figure in the country's political landscape even after leaving office in September 2022.
He said political leadership should not be measured solely by whether one occupies public office but by the ability to unite citizens, shape national conversations and provide direction during critical moments.
Kioni maintained that Uhuru continues to play that role despite retiring from active government, noting that many political leaders and ordinary citizens still seek his counsel on national issues.
"The status of former President Uhuru Kenyatta is recognised by Kenyans across the country. His influence is not confined to one region because people continue to listen to him and value his opinion," Kioni said.
He contrasted Uhuru's national standing with politicians who command influence only within their ethnic or regional strongholds, arguing that the former president has evolved into a statesman whose views carry weight across the country.
Kioni's remarks come amid renewed political debate over who commands influence in different parts of Kenya as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In recent months, discussions surrounding regional political kingpins have intensified, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where several leaders have laid claim to the area's political leadership following the emergence of new alliances and shifting loyalties.
However, Kioni insisted that such labels have no legal or constitutional basis and should not be used to define political leadership.
Instead, he said leadership is earned through service, consistency and the ability to inspire confidence among citizens from diverse backgrounds.
The Jubilee deputy leader further argued that Uhuru's stature has continued to grow since leaving office, with his public appearances and engagements attracting national attention despite maintaining a relatively low political profile.
He noted that the former president continues to participate in regional and international engagements while remaining an important figure in discussions surrounding Kenya's political future.
Kioni's comments come at a time when opposition parties are working to strengthen cooperation in preparation for the next General Election, with several leaders holding consultations aimed at forming a united political front against President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration.
The Jubilee Party has remained part of the opposition coalition and has consistently backed efforts to consolidate support among parties seeking political change in 2027.
Political analysts believe Uhuru's influence could play a significant role in determining future political alignments, particularly in regions where his endorsement still carries considerable weight.
Although the former president has not declared any interest in elective politics since leaving office, his continued engagement in public affairs has kept him at the centre of national political conversations.
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