Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially thrown his weight behind Dr. Fred Matiang’i as the Jubilee Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, signaling a major political realignment within the Mount Kenya region. The endorsement came during a highly attended Jubilee grassroots forum held at Thika Greens Resort in Murang’a County, where hundreds of party delegates, local leaders, and youth representatives gathered to chart the party’s future direction.
The event marked a defining moment for Jubilee’s revival as it seeks to rebuild after years of internal wrangling and political decline following the 2022 general elections. Kenyatta, addressing the crowd with his characteristic calm yet firm tone, urged members to put aside personal rivalries and focus on policy-driven unity. He declared that the future of the party depended on leadership that could inspire hope, stability, and development.
Uhuru Kenyatta Endorses Fred Matiang’i for 2027
In a move that surprised some political observers, Uhuru Kenyatta publicly endorsed Dr. Fred Matiang’i, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, as Jubilee’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential race. Kenyatta praised Matiang’i’s record of discipline, integrity, and national service, describing him as a “leader of action rather than rhetoric.”
He said Matiang’i’s experience in public administration and security management had demonstrated his ability to handle complex national issues with firmness and competence. “Kenya needs a leader who can work, not one who just talks. Dr. Matiang’i has shown dedication to service, and that is the kind of leadership Jubilee stands for,” Kenyatta declared to loud applause.
Sources within the party said Matiang’i’s endorsement was the result of months of consultations between key figures loyal to the former president. The strategy aims to position Jubilee as a credible national alternative capable of reuniting moderate voices ahead of 2027.
Call for Unity and Discipline in Jubilee
Kenyatta used the platform to call for discipline and unity within the party, condemning the infighting that has characterized Jubilee in recent months. He noted that disorganization and public insults among leaders were tarnishing the party’s image and undermining its revival efforts.
The former head of state specifically criticized Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni for what he described as “reckless and divisive remarks” aimed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kenyatta said that while Jubilee remained in opposition, it should still uphold decorum and respect for other national leaders.
“Politics must be about ideas, not insults. When you abuse people, you destroy your own credibility,” Kenyatta said. He warned that party officials who engage in personal attacks risked expulsion, emphasizing that Jubilee’s vision was to unite Kenyans through issue-based politics rather than personality clashes.
Defending Rigathi Gachagua and Calling for Dialogue
In a rare show of statesmanship, Kenyatta also defended Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, despite their past political differences. He said that leaders from the Mount Kenya region should not allow political rivalry to erode regional unity or development priorities.
“I may not agree with Gachagua on everything, but he is our son. We must engage each other with respect and honesty. Political differences should never make us enemies,” Kenyatta said, drawing applause from the audience.
Analysts view this statement as a strategic reconciliation gesture aimed at calming tensions in the Mount Kenya political landscape. By defending Gachagua, Kenyatta signaled that he seeks to rebuild bridges within the region, which has been politically fragmented since the 2022 elections.
Strengthening Jubilee’s Presence in Mt. Kenya
The Murang’a forum, attended by delegates from Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, and Meru counties, was part of a wider grassroots mobilization plan. The meeting aimed to strengthen Jubilee’s support base in the Mount Kenya region, where the party once enjoyed massive dominance before the split following the formation of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Party officials outlined a roadmap to reenergize local branches, recruit youth leaders, and reestablish Jubilee’s identity as a centrist political movement. Delegates discussed policies focused on economic recovery, agricultural reforms, and youth empowerment—issues that directly affect the region’s voters.
Dr. Fred Matiang’i, addressing the gathering after Kenyatta’s endorsement, thanked the former president for his trust and pledged to serve the nation with humility and diligence. He promised to focus on national unity, job creation, and institutional reforms, saying Kenya must rebuild its governance systems to restore confidence in public institutions.
Political Implications of Uhuru’s Endorsement
Uhuru Kenyatta’s endorsement of Matiang’i carries significant political weight. It revives a partnership between two leaders who worked closely during Kenyatta’s second term, when Matiang’i was widely regarded as the president’s trusted enforcer. The move positions Jubilee as a potential third force in the 2027 race, potentially reshaping alliances between the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition and the opposition Azimio la Umoja.
Analysts suggest that the endorsement could also attract moderate figures from both camps who are dissatisfied with the polarized political environment. Matiang’i, known for his firm leadership style and technocratic background, could appeal to professionals and middle-class voters seeking stability and governance over populist politics.
The move also signals Kenyatta’s intention to reclaim his influence in the Mount Kenya region, where his political relevance had waned after the 2022 elections. By backing a candidate with a reformist image, Kenyatta hopes to rebuild Jubilee’s moral authority and reconnect with the grassroots.
Kenyatta’s Renewed Political Energy
Observers noted that the Murang’a meeting reflected a revitalized Uhuru Kenyatta, more politically assertive than he has appeared in recent years. His message was both a warning to internal saboteurs and a reassurance to loyal supporters that Jubilee is back on the national stage.
Kenyatta emphasized that the party must learn from past mistakes, avoid personal egos, and prepare strategically for the 2027 polls. “We must rebuild Jubilee with honesty, discipline, and vision. The journey is long, but together we can restore trust and integrity in our politics,” he said.
Insiders revealed that Kenyatta plans to lead a series of consultative meetings across counties, focusing on revitalizing branch structures and identifying youth leaders to drive Jubilee’s next phase. The former president is also expected to hold high-level talks with like-minded opposition figures to form a united reform coalition ahead of 2027.
The Road Ahead for Jubilee Party
The Murang’a forum may mark the beginning of a new chapter for the once-dominant Jubilee Party. Under Kenyatta’s renewed leadership and Matiang’i’s candidacy, the party aims to position itself as a credible alternative to the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance.
However, success will depend on how effectively Jubilee manages internal differences and rebuilds trust among disillusioned members. The party faces stiff competition from UDA, which remains strong in the region, but Kenyatta’s return to active politics could rekindle hope among his traditional base.
If Jubilee sustains its message of unity and reform, it could emerge as a balancing force in Kenya’s political landscape, appealing to voters tired of endless conflicts and empty promises. The endorsement of Matiang’i gives the party a fresh identity—one rooted in governance, accountability, and inclusivity.
