Matiang’i tells MP John Kiarie to quit UDA and return to Jubilee Party
By Mustafa Juma, June 21, 2026Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i has made a direct political appeal to Dagoretti South Member of Parliament (MP) John Kiarie, urging him to abandon the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and return to the Jubilee Party, describing him as “one of their own” who is currently in political “exile”.
Speaking on Sunday, June 21, 2026, during a church service in Dagoretti South, Nairobi County, Matiang’i used a blend of personal appeal and political persuasion to woo the legislator back to the party he once belonged to before defecting ahead of the 2022 elections.
“Mheshimiwa KJ nakushukuru sana kwa siasa yako. I am very grateful kwamba umefanya siasa mzuri,” Matiang’i said, acknowledging Kiarie’s political journey.
The Jubilee deputy party leader reminded the MP of his past association with the party, noting that they had previously worked together when he served in government.
“Tumefanya kazi na wewe, ulikuwa mjumbe wa Jubilee, kwa hivyo karibu Jubilee,” he added.
Matiang’i confident of Jubilee’s influence in Dagoretti
Matiang’i, however, did not hold back in suggesting that Kiarie’s current political home in UDA was temporary and misplaced, warning that a Jubilee candidate will take the Dagoretti South seat in 2027.
“Lakini sasa unaweza pata kiti chako kimechukuliwa na Steve Mbugua, but we have many opportunities. Tutakutafutia kiti kingine hapo kwa sababu wewe ni wetu,” he said, hinting at possible future political opportunities within Jubilee for the MP.
Matiang’i told Kiarie that he was politically misplaced and needed to “return home”.
“Saa hii, you are just in exile. Toka pande ile ukuje hapa kwetu, mahali ulitoka. Usitoroke Jubilee, wewe ni mtu wa Jubilee,” he said.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary further urged the MP to reconsider his political alignment, insisting that Jubilee still considers him part of its political family.
“Rudi nyumbani utoke uhamishoni hapo mahali ulienda kurandaranda,” he added.
Matiang’i also praised Kiarie personally, describing him as a valued political ally and reiterating that their past collaboration remained significant.
“Vile nimesema, rudi nyumbani. We worked together when I was Minister of Education,” he said.
Matiang’i’s appeal comes weeks after he revealed that several political leaders are privately reaching out to him, expressing interest in joining the Jubilee Party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
KJ’s political journey
John Kiarie, popularly known as KJ, was elected as Dagoretti South MP on a Jubilee Party ticket in 2017 but defected to President William Ruto’s UDA party ahead of the 2022 general election, under which he successfully defended his seat.
His shift mirrored a wider political realignment in Nairobi and across the country, as several Jubilee politicians joined UDA following the rise of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Matiang’i’s remarks are likely to fuel fresh political speculation over emerging realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, as leaders begin positioning themselves for new alliances and party negotiations.