Jubilee Party Appoints Fred Matiang’i as Deputy Leader, Endorses Him for 2027 Presidential Bid

Dr. Fred Matiangi alongside members of the Jubilee Party NEC //Photo courtesy 

The Jubilee Party’s National Executive Council (NEC) has appointed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i as the party’s Deputy Leader and endorsed his application to be its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

The decision was made during a NEC meeting chaired virtually by Party Leader Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi on Wednesday. The meeting, attended by top party officials including Chairperson Saitoti Torome and Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, marked one of the most significant moments for Jubilee since the 2022 elections.

According to offial communication from the party’s Deputy National Organising Secretary Pauline Njoroge, the party announced that Dr. Matiang’i’s appointment received full approval from the NEC and that he will represent Jubilee within the United Opposition coalition, reaffirming the party’s commitment to working with like-minded partners in the opposition.

“Acting on the guidance of the Party Leader, and with the approval of the NEC, Dr. Matiang’i will represent the party within the United Opposition, supported by Party Chairperson Mr. Saitoti Torome. This reaffirms Jubilee’s steadfast commitment to the opposition front,” the statement read.

Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni confirmed that Matiang’i had formally submitted his application to be considered as Jubilee’s presidential flag bearer and that his bid had been endorsed by the NEC. The move positions Matiang’i as Jubilee’s top contender for the presidency, signaling the party’s renewed intent to return to national political relevance.

Dr. Matiang’i, who served in various senior government positions including Education, ICT, and Interior, is widely regarded as one of the most experienced technocrats in Kenyan politics. His close working relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the final years of the Jubilee administration earned him a reputation as a results-driven public servant.

Party officials say his elevation is part of a broader strategy to re-energize Jubilee’s national presence and restore public confidence ahead of the next election cycle. The NEC also approved a comprehensive plan to rebuild the party through a nationwide membership registration and grassroots mobilization campaign.

According to sources within the meeting, the party plans to reopen branch offices across all counties and strengthen its county and constituency networks as part of the revival effort. The NEC also filled several parliamentary leadership positions, including the appointment of Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama as the party’s Whip in the National Assembly and West Pokot Senator James Lomenen as the Whip in the Senate.

The leadership reshuffle and Matiang’i’s endorsement are being seen as an attempt by Jubilee to reposition itself as a major player in the opposition space ahead of 2027. Uhuru Kenyatta, who remains Party Leader, is said to be keen on restoring Jubilee’s influence and ensuring it plays an active role in shaping the national agenda.