DILEMMA AS JUBILEE NDC SKIRTS MATIANG'I'S ENDORSEMENT

The Jubilee Party remains at a crossroads after former President Uhuru Kenyatta has sidestepped widespread speculation that former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i would be unveiled as its 2027 presidential flag bearer.

Uhuru, who chaired the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) at Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi on Friday, September 26, 2025, reiterated Jubilee’s commitment to contesting the next General Election but avoided naming a specific candidate leaving the members and supporters hanging.

“We shall be preparing for the next general election and doing so in earnest, and it remains our firm intention to field the best possible candidates for all elective positions,” Uhuru told delegates.

The statement underscored Jubilee’s determination to stay politically relevant, yet the omission of Matiang’i — long viewed by many as the natural heir to lead the party — has deepened the sense of uncertainty.

Uhuru added that Jubilee was open to running independently or in alliance with other movements:

“We shall either do this on our own or we shall do this in consent with like-minded political movements,” he said.

While sketching out a vision of a “revitalised Jubilee,” Uhuru emphasized two priorities — offering a platform for fresh leaders and ensuring citizens have diverse choices in line with Kenya’s democratic order.

“It is therefore my hope that a newly energized Jubilee party will achieve two immediate outcomes – firstly to provide a suitable platform for visionary aspiring leaders to offer themselves up in the service of their nation and secondly, for the citizens of Kenya to be present with a vibrancy set of options from which to elect leaders of their choice in accordance with the democratic ideals of our constitutional order and what our national constitution says,” Uhuru stated.

He further noted that the question of whether Jubilee remains aligned with remnants of the Azimio coalition would ultimately be determined by party delegates.

Jubilee appears to be caught in an impasse with the absence of Matiang’i’s candidacy leaving the party’s succession puzzle unsolved and keeping both allies and critics guessing about its next move as 2027 approaches.

As this happens, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka declared his unwillingness to deputise anyone come 2027, as DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua projects himself as the best man for the job. Will Matiang'i stand a chance in the equation?