NAIROBI, Kenya — The Jubilee Party has intensified its campaign to rebuild its political influence in the Mt Kenya region while rallying support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a party meeting at the Ndaragwa Jubilee Commanding Centre, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni accused rival political parties of subjecting aspiring leaders to what he described as political extortion through costly nomination processes, warning that the practice threatens inclusive leadership.
Kioni, who met aspiring leaders from Murang’a, Kajiado, Nakuru, Kiambu and Laikipia counties, said the prevailing political environment risks locking out young people, women and persons with disabilities from elective leadership, contrary to the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
He urged aspirants to pursue elective office independently by engaging directly with voters rather than relying on political patronage or expensive party endorsements.
Kioni claimed that some political aspirants are being compelled to spend substantial amounts of money in pursuit of party nominations, questioning why leaders would subject themselves to such demands instead of seeking support directly from the electorate.
According to the Jubilee deputy leader, the party is seeking leaders capable of defending the interests of ordinary Kenyans without undue political influence.
He argued that independent-minded leaders are better positioned to safeguard public interests, adding that weak political leadership contributed to the passage of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Kioni announced that Jubilee will roll out an intensive grassroots mobilisation campaign across the Mt Kenya region as part of efforts to regain political ground ahead of the next General Election.
He said the campaign would focus on issue-based politics and peaceful engagement with voters, distancing the party from personal attacks and hostile political rhetoric.
Reaffirming the party’s leadership structure, Kioni said Jubilee remains under the leadership of former President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and confirmed that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Okeng’o Matiang’i is the party’s presidential flagbearer.
He called on party supporters and grassroots leaders to popularise Matiang’i throughout the Mt Kenya region, expressing confidence that the former Interior Cabinet Secretary possesses the leadership qualities needed to steer the country.
Kioni also pledged to personally campaign for Matiang’i across the region as political parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
