Political Comeback Looms as Joshua Kutuny Ditches Jubilee, Declares Loyalty to Ruto

Former Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny has made a decisive political turnaround by joining President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), signaling a renewed push to reclaim his parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kutuny’s move comes years after his failed attempt to defend the Cherangany seat in 2022, when he contested on a Jubilee Party ticket and suffered defeat. 

Determined not to repeat past mistakes, the veteran Rift Valley politician has now aligned himself firmly with the ruling party, openly endorsing President Ruto’s bid for a second term.

A Career Marked by Ups and Downs

Kutuny’s political journey has been anything but linear. He first entered Parliament in 2007 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) banner, making history at just 28 years old as Kenya’s youngest MP at the time.

However, his bid for re-election in 2013 fell short when he lost the seat to former Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir. The setback proved temporary, as Kutuny staged a comeback in 2017, reclaiming the Cherangany seat from Korir.

Rift Valley Rebellion Cost Him in 2022

In the run-up to the 2022 elections, Kutuny emerged as one of the outspoken Rift Valley leaders who broke ranks with then Deputy President William Ruto. 

Despite previously being influential in Ruto’s political backyard, the rebellion backfired, costing him his seat once again.

That loss appears to have reshaped his political strategy.

Back to UDA, Eyes on 2027

Now firmly back in UDA, Kutuny has publicly thrown his weight behind President Ruto, declaring unwavering support for his 2027 re-election campaign. 

Insiders say the former MP is keen to ride on the ruling party’s machinery as he prepares for a political comeback.

With renewed energy and lessons from past defeats, Kutuny is positioning himself as a reformed player ready to return to Parliament.

As the 2027 race slowly gathers momentum, his return to UDA signals shifting political alignments in the Rift Valley—an area that remains crucial to President Ruto’s re-election strategy.