Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as the Jubilee Party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election, backing his former Cabinet colleague to lead the party into the next election.
Speaking during a Jubilee forum on September 22, Uhuru said he had wanted Matiang’i, his junior, to step forward and take up the political challenge as the country prepares for the 2027 polls.
“For the time we are waiting for the NDC, from where I was sitting, I wanted this person who was my junior to step up. This includes all our Jubilee delegates, so that we can organize ourselves for the 2027 work alongside the others,” Uhuru said.
He further called on Matiang’i to work with other opposition leaders, signaling the need for cooperation among political parties and leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru Backs Matiang’i for 2027 Race
The Jubilee Party National Executive Council endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential flag bearer on October 30, 2025, during a meeting chaired by Uhuru.
The NEC also appointed him Deputy Party Leader and resolved that he would represent Jubilee in the United Opposition.
Also Read: Uhuru Gives New Direction on Jubilee Chairmanship After Court Decision
Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni said at the time that the party had formally received and accepted Matiang’i’s application to contest the presidency and that the NEC had resolved that he would carry the party’s flag.
The decision followed months of political activity by Matiang’i, who had been consulting leaders and supporters across the country after leaving his position at the World Bank.
Uhuru also called for cooperation with other political leaders ahead of the 2027 election.
The former president urged Matiang’i and Jubilee delegates to organize themselves while working alongside other political groups, pointing to the need for collaboration rather than the party operating in isolation.
The call comes as opposition parties and political leaders continue discussions over possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 polls.
Long-Delayed Jubilee Leadership Handover
In a statement dated September 15, Uhuru said the delayed handover of the Jubilee Party chairmanship was not due to reluctance, but to an internal dispute that required legal clarity.
With the court’s guidance now in place, he said the path to completing the handover is clear.
Also Read: High Court Frees Uhuru Kenyatta to Return to Active Politics
The former President affirmed his willingness to see the transition completed openly and lawfully, in accordance with the Jubilee Party constitution.
“In regard to the long-delayed handover of the Party chairmanship, the Office clarifies that this process was not stalled by reluctance, but by a contested internal dispute that required legal clarity. With the court’s guidance, that path is now clear. The former President affirms his absolute willingness to see the handover completed openly, lawfully, and in strict accordance with the Party’s constitution. He looks forward to the Party’s processes moving forward without hindrance,” read the statement in part.
He also expressed hope that Jubilee’s internal processes would proceed without further hindrance as the party begins a new chapter.
Uhuru said the development provides an opportunity to strengthen respect for the rule of law, the party constitution, and the next generation of leadership.
The High Court ruling followed a three-year legal and political dispute over Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which bars retired presidents from holding formal political party office for more than six months after leaving State House.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
