Why Matiang’i Is the Strongest Candidate to Defeat Ruto - Kioni

Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as the preferred candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on TV47, Kioni described Matiang’i as a capable administrator with wide national appeal. He said the former CS represents a break from traditional ethnic-based politics and could unite the country through a leadership style focused on competence and accountability. 

“Kenyans should front a presidential candidate who will deal with William Ruto one touch,” Kioni said, positioning Matiang’i as a technocrat rather than a career politician.

The endorsement follows Matiang’i’s appearance at the Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC), chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. His attendance, alongside other senior party officials, has been viewed as an indication of his political intentions ahead of 2027. 

While Matiang’i has not officially declared his candidacy, his growing alignment with Jubilee suggests a shift toward more active political engagement. The development has heightened tensions within the opposition, particularly among allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

Both Matiang’i and Gachagua hail from the Mt Kenya region and have emerged as rival power centres. Analysts suggest Matiang’i’s rising profile may be part of a broader plan backed by Uhuru Kenyatta to counter Gachagua’s regional influence. 

These tensions were underscored by the absence of other opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua, from the Jubilee event. Instead, they held a parallel meeting led by Karua, signalling a divided opposition.

Cleophas Malala, a senior official in Gachagua’s Democratic Change Party (DCP), criticised the move, accusing Jubilee of undermining efforts to build a united opposition. 

“The 2027 presidential candidate and flag bearer is none other than Gachagua,” Malala said, warning against attempts to destabilise DCP without a common political framework.

Kioni, however, emphasised the need for a single opposition candidate to strengthen the chances of unseating the incumbent. He referenced the 2022 Azimio coalition’s delayed unity as a key lesson, warning against a repeat of the fragmented approach. 

“We will not allow that kind of push and pull again,” he said, adding that Jubilee is ready to proceed independently if broader opposition unity cannot be achieved.