Political Firestorm! Matiang’i’s 2027 Bid Sparks Vicious Tug-of-War Between Jubilee and UPA
Dr. Fred Matiang’i continues to be a highly sought-after political figure, with both the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Jubilee Party engaged in a public dispute over which party he will represent in the 2027 elections.
On Thursday, February 27, a UPA official addressed the media, making it clear that Matiang’i would run under UPA and not the Jubilee Party. This statement came weeks after the Jubilee Party publicly declared Matiang’i as their preferred presidential candidate for the upcoming elections.
In January, the Jubilee Party’s Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, made the announcement, expressing confidence in Matiang’i’s ability to defeat President William Ruto. Kioni stated that Jubilee had chosen Matiang’i as their candidate and was prepared to challenge Ruto in the elections. He further emphasized that Jubilee’s membership had grown to over seven million, giving the party a strong position in the political race.
Matiang’i has held various government positions in the past. In 2013, former President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed him as the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and Technology. Later, in November 2015, he was moved to the Ministry of Education, where he introduced reforms to eliminate exam cheating.
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In July 2017, following the passing of Joseph Ole Nkaissery, Matiang’i was given the role of Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government. He remained in this position until October 2022.
Despite the ongoing debate between the two parties, Matiang’i is still a registered member of UPA, and there have been no reports of him leaving the party. In December 2024, UPA’s National Executive Council officially endorsed him as their presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
To strengthen his campaign, Matiang’i has reportedly hired a Canadian lobbying firm to help him gain international support and improve his election strategy. It is reported that he has already made an initial payment of $65,000 (about Ksh8.4 million) for their services.
Matiang’i is among several individuals who have shown interest in running against President Ruto in 2027. Other potential candidates include Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who is still considering his candidacy, and activist Morara Kebaso.
Political Firestorm! Matiang’i’s 2027 Bid Sparks Vicious Tug-of-War Between Jubilee and UPA
