Uhuru Contemplates Passing Jubilee Leadership to Matiang’i

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i is expected to be endorsed as the new leader of the Jubilee Party at a National Delegates Conference (NDC) set for 26 September, as the party prepares for a leadership transition and potential presidential bid in 2027.

The planned handover from former President Uhuru Kenyatta comes as Jubilee seeks to reassert its relevance in national politics after losing power in 2022. Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and senior officials have backed Dr Matiang’i as a viable challenger to President William Ruto, arguing that Jubilee’s established national presence offers a stronger platform than smaller, regional parties.

According to a notice issued on 3 September, the NDC will also consider amendments to the party’s constitution, reforms to its governance structure, and review of its current policy direction. Delegates are further expected to debate Jubilee’s continued participation in the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, which supported Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential campaign.

Several Azimio-affiliated parties, including the recently renamed People’s Liberation Party (formerly Narc-Kenya) and the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K), have already begun the process of leaving the coalition. Jubilee’s own exit now appears likely as it explores new alliances ahead of 2027.

Discussions are ongoing around forming a broader opposition alliance, with Jubilee reportedly engaging parties such as DAP-K, Kanu, United Progressive Alliance (UPA), Chama Cha Kazi, and the Party of National Unity. Many of these parties are led by former Cabinet Secretaries or influential regional leaders and are viewed as potential partners in mounting a unified challenge to the current administration.

Among these parties, UPA, associated with Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, has also expressed interest in fielding Dr Matiang’i as a presidential candidate, reflecting competing interests over his political alignment. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, a close ally of Dr Matiang’i, confirmed that an internal assessment is underway to determine the most strategic political vehicle, including the option of running under a Gusii-based party like UPA.

While Dr Matiang’i has not formally declared his political allegiance, he has confirmed that consultations with various parties are ongoing. In a July interview, he emphasised the importance of building inclusive alliances and warned against early commitments that might limit broader support.

Jubilee’s decision could have wider political implications, particularly in the Mt Kenya region. Analysts suggest that a Matiang’i-led Jubilee could reinvigorate the party’s influence and present a counterweight to emerging formations such as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Gachagua, who has advocated for a community-rooted political platform, has cautioned against Matiang’i aligning with Jubilee, instead pushing for a regionally based movement.

Some observers view this as an attempt to reduce Kenyatta’s influence within the opposition and consolidate Mt Kenya’s political support under new leadership. However, others believe a regionally anchored party could be used to weaken ODM’s dominance in certain areas, allowing newer players to gain ground.

Political analysts have noted that Dr Matiang’i’s success may depend on his ability to distance himself from Kenyatta and establish his own political identity. Prof David Monda, a US-based political commentator, argued that a clear break from Jubilee’s past could help Matiang’i broaden his appeal, attract independent funding, and build strategic alliances ahead of the next election.