William Kabogo’s Kiambu Comeback Bid: How a Meeting with Uhuru Kenyatta Sparked Political Intrigue

In Kenyan politics, few events generate as much speculation as a quiet meeting between two heavyweight leaders. For former Kiambu Governor William Kabogo, his journey toward reclaiming the county’s top seat has repeatedly intersected with the influence of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, most notably following a surprise sit-down between the two long-time acquaintances.

As political realignments continue to shape Mount Kenya and Kiambu County, revisiting the timeline of Kabogo’s meetings with Kenyatta offers key insight into how behind-the-scenes engagements fuel major electoral decisions.

The Surprise Meeting That Triggered Speculation

In March 2021, photos surfaced online showing then-President Uhuru Kenyatta visiting William Kabogo at his residence. At the time, the political climate in Mount Kenya was shifting rapidly ahead of the 2022 General Election. Because Kabogo had previously criticized the Jubilee administration's handling of the 2017 party primaries, which saw him lose the ticket to Ferdinand Waititu, many political observers viewed the unexpected visit as a significant fence-mending moment.

While neither leader publicly disclosed the full agenda of their private discussion, political pundits and residents immediately linked the meeting to Kiambu's succession politics. Before the sit-down, Kabogo had been sending mixed signals, even hinting at a possible presidential run. However, in December 2021, months after the high-profile meeting, Kabogo officially declared his bid to recapture the Kiambu gubernatorial seat under his Tujibebe Wakenya Party, citing pressure from local voters.

Navigating Shifting Alliances

Kabogo’s political trajectory has never followed a straight line, often reflecting the broader shifts in Central Kenya:

The 2017 Fallout: After serving as Kiambu's first governor from 2013 to 2017, Kabogo lost the Jubilee nomination and subsequently ran as an independent candidate, openly expressing frustration with how the ruling party conducted its primaries.

The 2022 Gubernatorial Race: Following his 2021 declaration, Kabogo entered a crowded and fiercely competitive race against candidates including Kimani Wamatangi, Moses Kuria, and James Nyoro. Although he initially aligned his Tujibebe Wakenya Party with the Kenya Kwanza coalition, he later clashed with coalition insiders over campaign coordination before ultimately losing the election to Wamatangi.

Recent Political Positioning: Kabogo later joined the national government after being nominated by President William Ruto in December 2024 and sworn in as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy in January 2025. Even in national office, his ties to Uhuru Kenyatta have remained a frequent talking point. In August 2026, Kabogo publicly defended Kenyatta’s legacy during a radio interview while dismissing persistent rumors that his cabinet appointment was tied to a December 2024 meeting between Ruto and Kenyatta in Ichaweri.

Why Kiambu Politics Always Watches Uhuru and Kabogo

As Kiambu County looks toward future electoral cycles, the dynamic between William Kabogo and Uhuru Kenyatta remains central to political discussions in the region. Whether acting as allies, independent operators, or voices of experience in Mount Kenya, any meeting between the two inevitably sparks debate over who holds the keys to Kiambu’s next political chapter.

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