The Jubilee Party has officially declared former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential flagbearer for the 2027 General Election.

Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni announced on Thursday, October 30, 2025, after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta at the party headquarters.

“We have resolved that Matiang’i represents us at the United Opposition. On top of that, we have formally received his application to be the presidential candidate, and the NEC has approved and resolved that he now carries the flag of the Jubilee Party as the presidential candidate,” Kioni said.

Kioni explained that Matiang’i will also act as Jubilee’s face within the United Opposition and deputise the party leader, given Uhuru Kenyatta’s limited public appearances.

“Even as he goes into the United Opposition, he goes there in that capacity, representing and deputising our party leader, and actually being the face of the party moving forward, given that our party leader is not always available,” Kioni added.

Jubilee’s bid to regain ground

The endorsement marks Jubilee’s effort to re-establish itself in national politics after a quiet period following the 2022 polls. It also cements the party’s participation in the United Opposition coalition, which seeks to strengthen its base ahead of the 2027 elections.

Matiang’i, a career public servant who previously led the Education, Interior, and ICT ministries, is seen as a results-driven technocrat. His endorsement follows months of consultations, culminating in a political comeback rooted in unity, service, and experience.

Renewed commitment to leadership

During a homecoming ceremony at Gusii Stadium on May 2, 2025, Matiang’i reaffirmed his readiness to lead and collaborate with other leaders to address national challenges.

“For ten years, I worked tirelessly for this country. I am known to be a good worker, and if given the chance, I am ready to work for Kenyans,” Matiang’i said.

He defended his close ties with Jubilee and retired President Kenyatta, describing his continued loyalty as a sign of steadfastness rather than political opportunism.

Political consistency

In an interview with a local radio station on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Matiang’i dismissed calls for him to start his own political party, maintaining that he should be recognised for his consistency.

“On Jubilee, I should be credited for consistency. I served and believed in its system then as I do now. I am not suddenly saying things that I would not have been proud to say or do then. On the flip side, I remained faithful to the public journey. How is it that I am not being credited for consistency in an environment where people have jumped parties even seven times?” he posed.

Matiang’i also addressed speculation that his presidential bid was influenced by powerful figures.

“Uhuru was a successful president, and everyone will want to be associated with him. But I am not running for president because he told me to run. I took a personal decision to run,” he said.

He criticised the Kenya Kwanza government for what he described as poor handling of key public concerns and urged leaders to focus on citizen engagement.

“My simple and free advice is that they can spend less money by listening to wananchi. I normally tell people, just show your work, and you will not need to justify your actions. The government needs to step up and seek feedback from people,” Matiang’i stated.