Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni has cautioned the party's presidential hopeful, Fred Matiang'i, against selecting a running mate from another political party.
He argued that such a move would create constitutional complications within Jubilee and send mixed signals to voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during an interview on RG Radio, Kioni said the party should settle on a deputy presidential candidate from within its own ranks if Matiang'i secures the party's presidential ticket.
"If we want to pick a running mate for Fred Matiang'i, if he ever tries to pick outside Jubilee, it becomes a constitutional issue because he is picking a person from another party," Kioni said.
"And that will cause confusion and delay Kenyans in making up their minds."
He argued that selecting a running mate from within Jubilee would provide the clarity needed by party supporters and the electorate.
"But if he picks a candidate from within Jubilee, that is the clarity that we want now, so then we know that we are campaigning for this unit and this unit," he said.
Kioni added that although the debate may appear premature, it was important for the party to address the matter early to avoid uncertainty later in the election cycle.
"Perhaps I am saying this too early, but we cannot continue with this kind of lack of foresight," he said.
The Jubilee deputy leader said he was keen on ensuring transparency in the opposition's preparations for the next election, insisting that leaders should be honest with Kenyans about their political plans.
"I do not wish to be part of conning Kenyans. If we have clarity in what we want to do and go that direction, we will be able to deal with the mess we have been put in by the government," he said.
His latest remarks add to the growing debate within the opposition over the choice of a joint presidential candidate and running mate as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 polls.
Last week, Kioni claimed that the presidential contest had
effectively narrowed to three leading contenders, President William Ruto, Wiper
Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Matiang'i.
According to Kioni, the three leaders have so far demonstrated the greatest commitment to seeking the presidency, with Kenyans already viewing them as the principal contenders for the country's highest office.
He urged opposition parties to expedite negotiations and rally behind either Matiang'i or Kalonzo to present a united front capable of mounting a strong challenge against President Ruto.
Kioni also criticised what he termed as the opposition's
slow pace in settling on a presidential flag bearer, warning that prolonged
indecision was creating uncertainty among supporters and weakening the
coalition's momentum.
