Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has dismissed claims that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is being pushed into politics as a project of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking on Hot 96 FM’s Checkmate programme on Sunday, Mr Kioni said Dr Matiang’i is a bona fide member of Jubilee and not a creation of State House politics. “Matiang’i is a member of Jubilee. In that hall we had no outsiders other than the journalists,” he said, referring to the party’s recent Special National Delegates Convention. “He is not a project of the government or Uhuru. He is a project of the education ministry, and Kenyans remember his track record.”
Mr Kioni praised Dr Matiang’i’s past achievements in government, citing his work at the Kenya National Examination Council and the 100 per cent transition policy in schools. While speculation has grown about his presidential ambitions, Mr Kioni said only party members and Kenyans at large will decide Jubilee’s candidate in 2027. “So far, the only person who has openly offered himself within Jubilee is Fred Matiang’i,” he noted.
The Secretary General was also critical of President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of dismantling social welfare programmes such as Linda Mama and replacing them with costlier schemes. He claimed Kenyans were now struggling with school dropouts, rising health costs and worsening economic hardship.
On matters of coalition politics, Mr Kioni reaffirmed that Jubilee remains part of the Azimio coalition, but warned that attempts to curtail the party’s influence would not succeed. “We are a national party, not a village outfit. If we field a candidate, it must be someone chosen on merit, not through boardroom deals,” he said.
He also revealed that Jubilee is setting up a new Central Management Committee to guide party affairs and provide a forum for political dialogue. Retired President Kenyatta, he added, would retain an advisory role in the party without formally serving as its leader.
Mr Kioni closed with a warning against those branding Dr Matiang’i as a spoiler. “When Kenyans decide, they decide. Just as they once rallied behind William Ruto, today they are making their voices heard in favour of new leadership. Matiang’i represents that hope.”
About the Author
