Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i, who is also the party’s 2027 presidential choice, has spilt the beans on the behind-the-scenes of coalition building.

Speaking exclusively to one of the local TV stations on Sunday, April 19, 2026, the outspoken former Cabinet Secretary for Interior told Kenyans that it is not always easy for political parties and leaders to come together under one banner ahead of a major election.

Matiang’i said the need for change often drives coalition talks.

Still, the path to unity is usually filled with competing interests, negotiations and difficult compromises among leaders seeking a common direction.

Coalition hurdles

“Right now, we are united by the desire to give Kenya a change in its leadership.

“It is not a walk in the park. Coalition building is usually a painful, messy experience, but people do it because that is probably the best option they have then,” Matiang’i said.

His remarks come at a time when the country’s political landscape is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2027 General Election, with parties holding internal consultations and informal talks on possible alliances.

The former Interior CS also cautioned Kenyans against rushing to demand immediate answers on who should carry the opposition flag, saying history shows such decisions are often made much later in the electoral cycle.

“It is too early. Even the Kibaki Tosha was said three months before the elections,” he said, referring to the famous 2002 opposition unity declaration that reshaped Kenya’s politics.

Matiang’i added that any process of identifying a presidential candidate must be fair and acceptable to supporters across the coalition.

“In the process, we should find a formula for identifying a presidential candidate.

That formula ought to be inclusive, consultative and people-centred,” he stated.

Presidential push

At the same time, Matiang’i made one of his clearest declarations yet on why he wants to seek the country’s top seat in 2027.

He said his ambition is anchored on restoring public confidence in government and addressing what he described as poor leadership standards.

“Why do I want to be president? To fix this mess, to give Kenya a government that is commensurate with the respect, dignity and aspirations of Kenyans, restore the credibility of government again,” he said.

Matiang’i further stated that Kenya deserves a leadership that citizens can respect and trust once more, signalling that his campaign message will centre on governance, accountability and national renewal.

Also, Matiang’i repeated that cutting down unnecessary expenditure will be one of his assignments immediately he assumes office next year.

His latest remarks are expected to intensify debate within the opposition as coalition talks continue to gather momentum.

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