Matiang’i storms Gachagua’s Nyeri backyard in bid to popularise Jubilee Party
By Mabonga Makhanu, March 25, 2026Jubilee Party presidential flag bearer Fred Matiang’i has stormed the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s backyard in Nyeri in a bid to popularise his party.
This came during the second day of efforts to boost his party’s popularity, following a similar exercise in Olkalou, Nyandarua County.
During the highly charged forum in Nyeri Town on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, amid his party’s popularisation efforts, urged the Nyeri locals to rally behind his presidential bid.
He stated that just as he brought reforms in various ministries he served in the past administration, should he be elected to the top seat, he would continue using the same approach he applied as a cabinet secretary.
“Si mnajua vile nilifanya nikiwa Waziri, nitaendelea hivyo viyo,” he said.
Matiang’i proceeded to tell the Nyeri locals that the United Opposition is not only seeking to remove the current administration from power but is also determined to change the livelihoods of Kenyans, who, according to him, have been severely affected by the current regime.
Other leaders present at the forum showered their deputy party leader with praise, saying that he is the most suitable to fly the United Opposition flag.
Ngunjiri praises Matiang’i
Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament (MP) Ngunjiri Wambugu, on his part, told Matiang’i that he can secure all Nyeri votes without necessarily going through any other leader.
“Ukikuja Nyeri, usiwahi ogopa; huku si lazima uletwe na mtu. Kura huku uko nazo, na tutakupatia direct.”
This comes days after the Jubilee Party fully integrated into the United Opposition, following the blessings of their party leader, who also doubles as the fourth president of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta.
The then Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, wrote to the convener of the United Opposition informing him of the decision, which had been ratified by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), which had chosen Fred Matiang’i as their flag-bearer and link to the United Alternative Government (UAG).
Matiang’s coronation
Since then, Matiang’i has been well received by his fellow United Opposition principals. They even accompanied him to his Kisii backyard, where he was coronated as the community’s kingpin and elder after a traditional ceremony held in Ekerenyo by the Gusii Council of Elders.
After blessing him, they handed him over to the United Opposition leaders and allowed him to traverse the country to bring honour to the community.