Wambugu urges Jubilee to rally behind Kioni to force Matiang’i into action
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 12, 2026Former Nyeri Town Member of Parliament Ngunjiri Wambugu has come out to question the perceived inactivity of Jubilee Party presidential flagbearer Fred Matiang’i.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms late on Saturday, April 11, 2026, the outspoken politician—who in recent months has been increasingly critical of his party’s leadership—demanded to know Matiang’i’s whereabouts amid growing concerns about his visibility on the national stage.
Wambugu went further to suggest that the party should begin rallying behind former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, who also serves as the Jubilee Party Deputy Leader, as their flag bearer.
According to him, this move could potentially provoke Matiang’i to step out of his comfort zone and actively engage in his presidential bid.
“Meanwhile, where is/was Matiangi? Ama tu-push Kioni, we compete for the Jubilee Presidential ticket. Labda ataamka?” Ngunjiri posed.
Wambugu’s criticism of Matiang’i
His remarks come just days after he faulted Matiang’i for skipping the burial of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, a member of the Jubilee Party, held in Nyandarua County.
Wambugu questioned the decision, noting the contrast after Matiang’i was later seen visiting Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who had been hospitalised at Karen Hospital following an attack in Kisumu.
He challenged the logic behind the move, arguing that it was puzzling for Matiang’i to miss the funeral of a fellow Jubilee member, only to later visit an ailing leader affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
“This is good. Very good. Osotsi deserves to be visited. But it’s very interesting that our party leader has time to visit a sick ODM member in the hospital but not to bury a Jubilee member. But Isorait,” Ngunjiri said.
Wambugu Ngunjiri has been heavily critical of his boss in recent times. He also faulted him for mentioning United Opposition principals’ names at a Jubilee aspirant forum, stating that it was embarrassing for Matiang’i to mention Gachagua, who is his competitor, in the forum.
He further added that the leaders he is mentioning and drumming up support for do not do the same for Jubilee Party leaders, instead endorsing their own party candidates.
Matiangi’s conduct
He also took issue with Matiang’i for endorsing Nyandarua Senator John Methu at a forum in Nyandarua where Jubilee Party aspirants, who also have interest in Methu’s seat, were present. Matiang’i went on to endorse Methu, saying that if he were a voter in Nyandarua, he would vote for him in the next general election.
He also faulted Jubilee Party Secretary General Montalel Ilela Kenta, who endorsed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Douglas Masikonde for the Narok Town Ward by-election, when the party also had its own candidate vying for the same seat.