NAIROBI, Kenya – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is spearheading efforts to unify opposition forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with indications that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i could emerge as a key contender.
Sources indicate that Kenyatta met with opposition leaders on Wednesday in Nairobi to discuss the need for a single opposition candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the next general election.
The meeting, held at the residence of a close ally, focused on rallying support for Matiang’i as the Jubilee Party’s potential presidential flag bearer.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, while declining to confirm the meeting, hinted at the party’s preference for Matiang’i to take over as party leader, with Kenyatta remaining as its patron.
“The future of our party is to have Matiang’i as Jubilee party leader while Uhuru remains the patron,” Kioni said.
However, he emphasized that it was too early to discuss coalition arrangements, stating, “We have not ruled out working with leaders such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and others who share similar ideologies.”
A Race for Opposition Unity
The push for a united opposition comes as several parties have already put forward their own candidates.
Wiper has fronted Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) has nominated Eugene Wamalwa, and the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) has endorsed Martha Karua.
Meanwhile, Ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is reportedly preparing to launch his party, which could also field a presidential candidate.
The plan, insiders reveal, is to strengthen individual parties before consolidating behind a single candidate.
Kenyatta is said to be against rushing to unveil a candidate, arguing that aspirants must first gain popularity before a final decision is made on the strongest contender.
Matiang’i’s Political Trajectory
Matiang’i, who played a central role in Kenyatta’s administration, has yet to publicly declare his intentions.
However, his name has been frequently mentioned in opposition circles.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka recently stated that Matiang’i was weighing his options and would engage various political factions before making a decision.
Jubilee officials argue that Matiang’i’s tenure as Interior CS positioned him as a capable leader.
Kioni noted that during Kenyatta’s second term, when relations between the president and Ruto soured, it was Matiang’i who effectively managed government operations.
“He was essentially the acting deputy president during Uhuru’s tenure. Who else is better placed to take on Ruto in 2027?” Kioni asserted.
Meanwhile, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), which had initially been positioning Matiang’i as its flag bearer, has insisted that he remains a viable candidate.
UPA Chairman Nyambega Gisesa said the party would continue promoting Matiang’i’s candidacy, describing him as a “strong performer” capable of rescuing the country from its current economic woes.
