Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of attempting to pressure former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i during opposition coalition negotiations.

Speaking on Monday, Kioni cited that Gachagua has been pushing Matiang’i to abandon Jubilee and join talks with a smaller political outfit.

Pressure and interference

Kioni claimed that Gachagua directed Matiang’i on which party to bring into negotiations.

“Put Jubilee here, put your UDA here. And then the biggest thing, and this is not a secret, they have sat in rooms and told Matiang’i, ‘Don’t join Jubilee,’” he said.

He recalled an incident where Gachagua notably instructed Matiang’i to travel to Kisii and get a village party for negotiations.

Kioni questioned Gachagua’s authority in the matter, noting, “You tell him it out openly, in fact, on one time, you can remember Gachagua telling Matiangi, go to Kisii and come with a village party we negotiate.”

Kioni furter noted that the proper officials of DCP need to speak on behalf of that party, saying that Matiang’i is not on any record as an official of DCP.

“By the way, Gachagua is not even an official of DCP. The proper officials of DCP need to speak on behalf of that party, because he is not on any record as an official of DCP.”

“And then the question is, if you really want me to come over to your table. Why are you dictating the party I should come to? Who told Gachagua to open DCP so that he could come with it? It was his choice.”

Defense of Matiang’i and party position

The Jubilee Secretary General defended Matiang’i, asserting that he cannot be easily intimidated. “So when you get to that level, do you think Matiang’i is a person to bully by any chance? He was not bullied when he was in government, and we would not want him bullied,” Kioni said.

He described Gachagua’s approach as counterproductive, adding, “That attitude is not helping at all.” Kioni also highlighted Jubilee’s efforts to strengthen its opposition role ahead of the 2027 elections, noting the party’s commitment to Azimio. “ODM has done the thing of betrayal. So, it is only Jubilee that is still in Azimio, faithful to that agreement,” he said.

2027 strategy

Kioni confirmed plans to appoint former President Uhuru Kenyatta as head of Jubilee’s Central Management Committee, describing the role as advisory and aimed at benefiting the party with his experience.

He also revealed that Matiang’i is being considered for a leadership position to guide Jubilee’s campaign strategy. Kioni further criticised President William Ruto’s policies, particularly on housing and education, alleging that legacy projects from Uhuru’s administration were eroded.

“He takes over the housing thing and taxes on people, yet Uhuru was building houses without taxing Kenyans. He takes over education and brings in a new funding model; all of a sudden, we have over 700,000 kids out of school,” Kioni said.