Jubilee Endorses Dr Fred Matiang’i as 2027 Presidential Candidate

The Jubilee Party has officially endorsed Dr Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election following a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

The decision, announced after the NEC meeting, also confirmed Matiang’i’s appointment as deputy party leader and Jubilee’s representative in the United Opposition coalition. The endorsement marks a significant step in the party’s effort to rebuild its influence after a period of internal divisions and reduced political visibility since the 2022 elections.

Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni described the endorsement as a turning point for the party, saying Matiang’i embodies Jubilee’s core principles of discipline, integrity, and public service. “We believe Dr Matiang’i represents the leadership our party stands for,” Kioni said, noting that the NEC had formally received and approved his application to seek the presidency under the party’s banner.

Speculation about Matiang’i’s return to active politics has grown in recent months, particularly after his attendance at the Jubilee National Delegates Convention alongside former President Uhuru Kenyatta. His elevation to the party’s top leadership now positions him at the centre of efforts to strengthen opposition unity ahead of the 2027 contest.

The NEC resolution also formalised Jubilee’s participation in the United Opposition, a coalition of parties working together to challenge the current administration. This partnership reflects the party’s strategy to rebuild its organisational capacity while contributing to a coordinated opposition front.

Matiang’i’s political comeback has, however, generated debate over his relationship with former President Kenyatta, with some critics claiming he is aligned too closely with his former boss. Matiang’i has rejected these claims, saying his decision to run for president was made independently.

“It’s dishonest to label me a project while others actively seek the same former President’s support,” he said in a recent interview. 

He described Kenyatta as a respected leader whose legacy deserves recognition but insisted his political ambitions are self-driven. Matiang’i also questioned what he called a double standard, noting that other former Cabinet Secretaries, including Eugene Wamalwa, have expressed similar ambitions without facing comparable criticism.