Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni has urged the party’s presidential hopeful, Fred Matiang’i, to select a running mate from within Jubilee if he secures the party’s presidential ticket, arguing that looking elsewhere could create constitutional and political complications.
Speaking during an interview with RG Radio, Kioni said a running mate drawn from another political party would raise questions about Jubilee’s internal rules and risk confusing voters as parties prepare for the 2027 General Election.
“If we want to pick a running mate for Fred Matiang’i, if he ever tries to pick outside Jubilee, it becomes a constitutional issue because he is picking a person from another party,” Kioni said.
“And that will cause confusion and delay Kenyans in making up their minds.”
Kioni argued that choosing a deputy from within Jubilee would present a united ticket and provide supporters with greater certainty ahead of the campaign.
“But if he picks a candidate from within Jubilee, that is the clarity that we want now, so then we know that we are campaigning for this unit and this unit,” he said.
Although he acknowledged that discussions around a running mate may appear premature, Kioni maintained that the party should resolve the matter early rather than wait until the election season intensifies.
“Perhaps I am saying this too early, but we cannot continue with this kind of lack of foresight,” he said.
The Jubilee deputy leader also called for greater openness in the opposition’s preparations, saying political leaders owe Kenyans clear and honest communication about their plans for the next election.
“I do not wish to be part of conning Kenyans. If we have clarity in what we want to do and go that direction, we will be able to deal with the mess we have been put in by the government,” he said.
His remarks come as opposition parties continue negotiations over forming a united front for the 2027 presidential race. Discussions on who should carry the coalition’s presidential flag have gathered pace, although no consensus has yet been announced.
Last week, Kioni argued that the contest for State House had effectively narrowed to three prominent figures: President William Ruto, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Matiang’i. He said the trio had emerged as the most visible presidential contenders and urged opposition leaders to rally behind either Matiang’i or Kalonzo to strengthen their chances against the incumbent.
Kioni also criticised what he described as the opposition’s slow progress in settling on a presidential candidate, warning that prolonged uncertainty could weaken support and reduce momentum ahead of the 2027 polls.
Neither Matiang’i nor Jubilee’s leadership has publicly responded to Kioni’s latest remarks.
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