Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions were boosted on Thursday after the former ruling party, Jubilee, endorsed his bid for the 2027 General Election.
The decision was reached during the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Nairobi and chaired by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Uhuru also doubles as Jubilee’s Party Leader chaired the meeting virtually.
“We, as NEC, have appointed Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i as our deputy party
leader going forward,” Party Secretary General Jaremiah Kioni announced.
“Alongside that, we have also resolved that Dr. Matiang’i represents us at
the United Opposition, and on top of that we also received formally his
application to be the Jubilee presidential candidate.”
The United Opposition also has DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa and People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi is also part of the opposition.
The endorsement positions the former powerful minister as a key player in the unfolding 2027 race, potentially reshaping alliances as Jubilee eyes a comeback after years of dormancy following its fallout with President William Ruto.
Kioni noted that NEC approved Matiang’i’s application and resolved that he
would carry the party’s flag as its presidential candidate in the next election.
“The NEC approved and resolved that he now carries the flag of Jubilee Party
as our presidential candidate and is the face of the party,” Kioni stated.
Matiang’i, who served as Interior Minister under former President Uhuru
Kenyatta, has in recent months re-emerged in political discussions, with
growing speculation about his ambitions for higher office.
His appointment as deputy leader places him at the center of Jubilee’s
effort to rebuild its national appeal.
The NEC decision also formalizes his participation in the United Opposition,
a coalition of political parties seeking to challenge the ruling administration
in the next polls.
Kioni said the move was part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen its structures and affirm its commitment to opposition unity.
“This is a moment of renewal for Jubilee,” he said.
“We believe Dr Matiang’i embodies the values and leadership our party stands for — discipline, integrity, and service to the nation.”
The former ruling party also deliberated on several pressing issues including party structure and strategy to strengthen its countrywide reach.
The top decision-making organ resolved to among others open new branches and market the outfit in all the 247 counties ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We were able to deal with key issues of structure and strategy that we want to take as a party. We now move out to revamp our party, open branches, and reach out to our members and new members,” Kioni stated.
The party promised to unveil clear roadmap of revamping the party in the coming two weeks.
The NEC also filled several vacant leadership positions amongst its ranks.
In the changes, Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama was named Whip of the National Assembly, while Senator James Lomenen was named as Senate Whip.
