Pauline Njoroge, a prominent Jubilee Party strategist, was abruptly stopped by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security team from greeting him at the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi.
The incident, captured in a viral video, sparked widespread debate online, with Kenyans questioning the motives behind the move as Jubilee seeks to rebuild its influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The NDC, a pivotal event for the former ruling party, saw Uhuru reaffirm his leadership after years of internal wrangles and defections. Delegates cheered his arrival, waving red party flags, but the mood shifted when Njoroge, the party’s Deputy organising Secretary, approached him.
Accompanied by another woman, Njoroge was halted by security before she could exchange pleasantries, a moment broadcast live and shared widely on platforms like X. Njoroge, a vocal Uhuru ally and digital communications strategist, has been instrumental in Jubilee’s efforts to regain ground.
Her role in countering defections to President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza coalition and supporting Raila Odinga’s 2022 campaign made her a key figure.
However, the public snub raised eyebrows, with some speculating it reflects internal tensions or a deliberate distancing by Uhuru’s camp. Social media reactions were mixed. Netizens labelled it a humiliation, while others saw it as a security protocol. “Why block a loyalist like Pauline? Something’s off,” posted one X user.
Njoroge, who joined Jubilee’s National Executive Committee in 2023, has faced scrutiny before, including a 2023 arrest in Malindi over alleged narcotics, later dismissed as politically motivated.
The NDC, attended by over 4,000 delegates, focused on restructuring Jubilee after a High Court ruling restored Uhuru’s leadership. Discussions centre on grassroots mobilisation and coalition strategies, with speculation about endorsing former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i for 2027.
The incident with Njoroge, however, stole the spotlight, fuelling tales of disunity. Critics argue the move could alienate Jubilee’s youth base, which Njoroge represents.
“She’s been a fierce defender of Uhuru’s vision. “This sends a negative signal,” said political analyst Jane Wambui. As Jubilee navigates its comeback, the incident portrays the delicate balance of loyalty, power, and public perception in Kenya’s volatile political landscape.
Uhuru’s security team stopped Pauline Njoroge from greeting him during the ongoing party NDC.
— Mambo Mseto X (@MamboMseto254) September 26, 2025
Video below:pic.twitter.com/zq4KOfp4Rb