The Jubilee Party has officially endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, and its Deputy Party Leader — a major step as it attempts to reassert its influence in Kenya’s political arena.
The announcement was made during Jubilee’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the first since its National Delegates Conference.
Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni confirmed that the NEC had unanimously approved Matiang’i’s application to run for president under the Jubilee ticket.
“We, as NEC, have appointed Dr. Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i as our deputy party leader going forward,” Kioni said.
In a further boost to his political profile, Dr. Matiang’i was also appointed as the party’s Deputy Leader — effectively placing him at the centre of Jubilee’s leadership and strategy moving forward.
“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.”
During the meeting, the NEC also discussed the party’s broader revival strategy, including efforts to strengthen its grassroots presence and reconnect with supporters across the country.
“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 said, hinting at a series of political activities to be rolled out in the coming weeks.
“I am not Uhuru’s Project”
A day before, Matiang’i had dismissed claims that he is a political project of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing some leaders of hypocrisy for seeking Uhuru’s backing while branding others as his allies.
Speaking on Wednesday, 29th October 2025, Matiang’i said it was dishonest for politicians to label him “Uhuru’s project” while at the same time courting the former Head of State for political support.
“As for whether I’m someone’s project, I cannot rewrite history. I served as a Cabinet Minister under President Uhuru Kenyatta,” he said on Spice FM.
“As to whether or not that makes me his project, honestly, it’s just splitting hairs at the end of the day. People will say I’m Uhuru’s project, yet they themselves are looking for the same Uhuru said to talk to.”
Jubilee to stay in Azimio la Umoja for now
In a moment of solidarity during Matiang’is endorsement, the party extended condolences to the family of Mama Ida Odinga, wife of ODM leader Raila Odinga, following her recent bereavement.
Kioni also addressed the party’s current standing within the Azimio la Umoja Coalition, acknowledging that while some members have called for a review of Jubilee’s role in the alliance, any decision to quit must be approached cautiously due to possible legal implications.
Dr. Matiang’i now joins a growing list of political heavyweights eyeing the presidency in 2027, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, and former Chief Justice David Maraga.
As the opposition begins to shape its 2027 strategy, questions remain over whether these leaders will rally behind a single candidate to mount a serious challenge against President William Ruto.
