MACHAKOS, Kenya – Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has formally joined the Jubilee Party, ending months of speculation about his political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Matiang’i confirmed the move on Sunday while meeting members of the Abagusii community in Mavoko, Machakos County, saying he had accepted an invitation from former President Uhuru Kenyatta to join the party.
“I am declaring openly that I have joined Jubilee. As we said during the NDC, it’s time to join the Jubilee Party,” Matiang’i said, referring to the National Delegates Conference (NDC) held last month.
Although he did not speak during the NDC, the former CS said he has since taken up the mantle to revive Jubilee, describing his entry as a symbolic “initiation” into the party.
“All these aspirants who are here eyeing different seats should now wear Jubilee Party colours during our next meeting. I also have my Jubilee Party hat here,” he added.
Matiang’i, who has kept a low political profile since leaving government in 2022, said his immediate focus will be to reorganize the party’s structures and re-establish its grassroots networks.
“We will soon open Jubilee offices in several parts of the country, starting with Embakasi and Kitengela, as we prepare for grassroots elections,” he announced.
He was accompanied by Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni and MPs Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) and Muthoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), all of whom pledged to support his bid to rejuvenate the party.
Last week in Nakuru, Matiang’i defended his choice to align with Jubilee, saying no one should dictate where leaders belong politically. “Kenya is a democracy. Everyone has a right to choose their political home,” he said.
DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, speaking separately during a KTN interview on Sunday night, welcomed Matiang’i’s move, saying the opposition’s strength lies in unity.
“The next election will be a two-horse race—United Opposition versus William Ruto. We will win by 70 plus one per cent,” Gachagua said, adding that Matiang’i would be a key pillar in the emerging alliance.
Political analysts view Matiang’i’s return as a potential boost to the opposition’s efforts to rebuild a national coalition ahead of 2027, especially among the Abagusii voting bloc.
