NAIROBI, Kenya- Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang’i has dismissed online claims suggesting he held a political meeting with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, saying the three leaders merely crossed paths at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before boarding separate flights.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Matiang’i said the encounter occurred after all three had checked in at the Kenya Airways counter while travelling to Kisumu.
“This morning, after checking in at the Kenya Airways desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, I bumped into Kisii Governor Hon. Simba Arati and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who had also checked in and were travelling to Kisumu. It was a chance encounter as each of us proceeded to board our flight,” Matiang’i said.
He dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the airport interaction was a planned political meeting held the previous night.
“Contrary to false claims circulating online, this was neither a meeting held last night nor a planned engagement. It was simply a chance encounter between leaders at the airport,” he added.
Matiang’i said he proceeded to Apondo SDA Church in Ahero, Kisumu County, where he joined Siaya Governor James Orengo, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua and worshippers for a church service.
The clarification comes amid heightened political speculation over Matiang’i’s engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary has recently emerged as one of the opposition figures seeking to build alliances to challenge President William Ruto.
The viral images had attracted attention because Junet Mohamed and Simba Arati, both elected on the ODM party ticket, are among leaders who have publicly supported the broad-based working arrangement between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Their appearance alongside Matiang’i prompted speculation about possible behind-the-scenes political talks, claims the Jubilee deputy leader has now denied.