Fred Matiang’i Poised to Lead Jubilee Party in 2027 Presidential Race

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i is being positioned to lead the Jubilee Party into the 2027 General Election, with high-level party meetings signalling plans to endorse his presidential candidacy.

A closed-door meeting on Tuesday at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi brought together key Jubilee Party figures, including Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and several former MPs, in a bid to revitalise the party’s national presence. The session comes ahead of the party’s Special National Delegates Conference (NDC) scheduled for Friday, where major decisions on leadership and party direction are expected.

Sources indicate that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta is backing Matiang’i as his political successor within the Jubilee Party. Having played a central role in the previous administration, Matiang’i is seen by party insiders as a strong contender with both policy experience and national visibility.

Kioni described the current period as a turning point for the party, stating that Jubilee is preparing to re-establish itself as a national political force. He noted that the NDC will consider constitutional changes, leadership restructuring, and the possible endorsement of Matiang’i as the party’s presidential candidate.

The party is also reportedly weighing a formal withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition, which supported Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful 2022 presidential bid. This would follow the lead of other Azimio-affiliated parties, including Martha Karua’s Narc-Kenya, now operating as the People’s Liberation Party, and the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), both of which have initiated exit processes.

As part of a wider opposition realignment, Jubilee is exploring new alliances with parties such as DAP-K, United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Chama Cha Kazi, Kanu, and the Party of National Unity. UPA, associated with Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, is seen as a potential partner, with some of its members already backing Matiang’i’s presidential ambitions.

Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, a close ally of Matiang’i, confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding his leadership of Jubilee. He added that a detailed SWOT analysis is being conducted to determine the best strategy ahead of 2027.

Despite the growing momentum, debate continues over which political vehicle would offer Matiang’i the strongest platform. 

While Jubilee provides national infrastructure, some voices within the opposition, among them former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have suggested he form a regionally anchored party to consolidate support in the Gusii region. Matiang’i has remained cautious, saying in a July interview that he will consult widely before making any formal announcement. 

He warned against committing too early to a single party, noting that doing so could limit future alliances.