Matiang’i breaks silence after airport photo with Arati and Junet sparks speculation
By Mustafa Juma, July 4, 2026Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has dismissed speculation surrounding a photograph showing him alongside Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), insisting the three leaders merely crossed paths while travelling to western Kenya.
The clarification came after images of the trio at the airport circulated widely on social media, fuelling claims that Matiang’i had held a private political meeting with two senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement released on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Matiang’i described the encounter as purely coincidental.
“This morning, after checking in at the Kenya Airways desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, I bumped into Kisii Governor Hon. Simba Arati and Suna East MP Hon. Junet Mohamed, who had also checked in and were travelling to Kisumu. It was a chance encounter as each of us proceeded to board our flight,” Matiang’i stated.
He dismissed claims circulating online that the leaders had convened a planned meeting before their journey.
“Contrary to false claims circulating online, this was neither a meeting held last night nor a planned engagement. It was simply a chance encounter between leaders at the airport,” the former Interior Cabinet Secretary stated.
Matiang’i added that after arriving in Kisumu, he proceeded to Ahero in Kisumu County for a church service.
“I then proceeded to Kisumu to join Siaya Governor Hon. James Orengo, People’s Liberation Party Leader Hon. Martha Karua, and the faithful for a church service at Apondo SDA Church in Ahero,” Matiang’i wrote on X.
Photo sparks political speculation
The clarification comes against the backdrop of intense political activity as parties and opposition formations position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
The airport photograph quickly attracted attention because it featured leaders drawn from different political camps.
Arati and Junet are among ODM’s most prominent elected leaders who are currently aligned to the broad-based government arrangement, which is advocating for President William Ruto’s re-election.
Matiang’i, on the other hand, has emerged as the Jubilee Party’s preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election following his endorsement by the former ruling party. Since returning to Kenya earlier this year after an extended stay abroad, he has intensified consultations across the country while maintaining that he is seeking the presidency.
Shifting opposition dynamics
The encounter also comes at a time when Kenya’s opposition politics remain fluid.
While ODM leader Oburu Odinga has maintained a working relationship with President William Ruto following the formation of the broad-based government, several ODM leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, have on various occasions expressed views that differ from the party’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Meanwhile, Matiang’i has become one of the leading figures within the opposition seeking to challenge President Ruto in 2027. He has also participated in engagements with leaders associated with the emerging United Opposition while insisting that the coalition should adopt a transparent process for selecting its presidential flagbearer rather than settling the matter through closed-door negotiations.
Against that backdrop, the appearance of Matiang’i alongside Arati and Junet prompted online speculation that discussions were underway between leaders from Jubilee and ODM