Uhuru Endorses Matiang’i as Jubilee Flagbearer, Declares “He Is the One to Lead Kenya Forward”
Politics Updated: 02 May 2026 12:10 EAT
Jubilee Presidential flag bearer Dr Fred Matiang'i in Kajiado County
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has thrown his political weight behind former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, using a detailed phone address to rally support for him within the Jubilee Party and among key regional blocs ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a speech delivered via phone to a gathering of leaders and supporters, Uhuru opened with an apology for his absence, explaining that illness had prevented him from attending the event in person despite having “looked forward to [it] for a long time.”
He told the audience, “I would like to ask for your sincere forgiveness… I went on a short trip, returned yesterday, and fell a bit ill, which made it impossible for me to be with you in person,” setting a conciliatory tone while maintaining his presence in the meeting.
Uhuru thanked leaders who stepped in on his behalf, saying he had asked a close ally to represent him due to the importance of the occasion, ensuring his message still reached the gathering.
He used the opportunity to congratulate Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, referring to him as “a person of firm standing” who “does not fear anyone” and who would defend the rights of the people rather than personal interests.
Uhuru’s remarks framed Jubilee as a party anchored on principle, praising leaders who resisted external pressure, including those who insisted “our party cannot be sold for eight cents” during internal disputes.
Turning to Matiang’i, Uhuru described him as a results-driven leader, noting, “I know Dr. Matiang’i is a person of few words in politics, but when it comes to work, there is no one else like him.”
He emphasized Matiang’i’s track record in public service, especially in fighting corruption and delivering government programs, portraying him as a dependable figure capable of steering the country forward.
In a key political signal, Uhuru declared his support for the former Interior CS, telling supporters that he was now backing “your son taking over from where we left off, to lead our party and our country forward without fear.”
The statement reinforced growing perceptions that Matiang’i is emerging as Jubilee’s preferred presidential candidate, with Uhuru positioning himself as a kingmaker within opposition politics.
Uhuru also used the platform to defend multi-party democracy, warning against interference in party affairs by political rivals, whom he accused of destabilizing other parties instead of promoting their own agendas.
“We are a nation that respects democracy… it is with great sadness that we see others… making it their job to interfere with the arrangements of other parties,” he said.
He urged political actors to “sell their policies as Jubilee without being disturbed,” criticizing those he said “wander around because of their stomachs,” in remarks widely interpreted as a swipe at defectors and opportunistic politicians.
The former president stressed his continued right to participate in politics, pushing back against critics who have suggested he should remain silent after leaving office.
“Now, when I speak two or three words, I am told that I have retired… I have a right to defend my party,” Uhuru said, comparing himself to former global leaders who remain active in political discourse.
He referenced past political eras, including the KANU period under Daniel arap Moi, to illustrate how competitive politics previously operated without undue interference.
Uhuru also called for unity across ethnic and regional lines, urging Kenyans not to allow themselves to be divided, saying, “Do not agree to be divided into different ethnic factions as some would like.”
He highlighted key national priorities such as education, healthcare, and economic stability, urging leaders to focus on issues that directly affect citizens’ livelihoods.
Concluding his remarks, Uhuru blessed the new crop of leaders and urged them to remain humble, united, and committed to fighting corruption while protecting the rights of all Kenyans.
Meanwhile, Matiang’i, who also addressed the gathering, used his speech to articulate his motivation for seeking the presidency, pointing to governance and resource challenges in Narok County.
“The time has come… Narok is one of those reasons,” he said, alleging that the county had been “robbed by top government officials who are taking land” and exploiting resources without benefiting residents.
He criticized what he described as a lack of awareness among local leaders and citizens regarding land and mining deals, positioning himself as a reformist candidate ready to address such issues.
Matiang’i pledged that a Jubilee-led administration would prioritize citizens’ interests, saying, “We are ready… to form a government that looks out for the interests of the citizens, one that is responsible.”
He leaned heavily on Jubilee’s past record in government, arguing that the party had demonstrated its ability to deliver transformative programs during its time in power.
“Through our president, we were the ones who brought the Linda Mama program, free primary education, and free day secondary education,” he said, citing flagship initiatives.
The former CS also highlighted infrastructure development under Jubilee, suggesting that the party’s experience in governance gives it an edge over competitors.
He framed the 2027 election as an opportunity for Jubilee to return to power, appealing to voters to grant the party another chance “by the grace of God.”
Matiang’i called on leaders and aspirants to intensify grassroots mobilization, emphasizing that electoral success would depend on direct engagement with voters.
“This is a game of numbers… let us now return to the ground to speak with Kenyan citizens,” he said, underscoring the importance of nationwide outreach.
He further promised that a future administration under his leadership would prioritize delivery, saying 2027 should not be about “telling stories, but about things we fulfill.”
Matiang’i also pledged to restore security and accountability in government, promising to reverse policies and decisions that he said do not benefit ordinary citizens.
Addressing land issues in Narok, he assured residents that controversial allocations and deals would be reviewed and, where necessary, cancelled.
“I assure you… we will change these things. We will cancel the things that are being done… that do not benefit our people,” he said.
He emphasized the need for courage in leadership, stating that addressing entrenched challenges would require leaders with “audacity to face the challenges.”
Matiang’i reiterated his commitment to building a broad-based national coalition, saying Jubilee was already engaging partners across the country.
He called for unity among supporters, urging them to “join hands with us completely so that we are together on this journey” toward 2027.
The former CS concluded by expressing confidence that Jubilee could form the next government, with plans to expand its influence beyond traditional strongholds.
The event also featured representation from Uhuru’s family, with Muhoho Kenyatta attending to deliver the former president’s message in person.
The dual messaging from Uhuru and Matiang’i signals a coordinated effort to position Jubilee as a serious contender in the next election cycle.
Analysts say Uhuru’s explicit endorsement, coupled with Matiang’i’s policy-focused messaging, marks the early consolidation of a presidential campaign framework.
With internal party structures aligning and grassroots mobilization beginning, Jubilee appears to be laying the groundwork for a competitive bid in 2027.
As the political landscape evolves, Uhuru’s re-emergence and his backing of Matiang’i are likely to shape opposition dynamics and influence coalition-building efforts in the run-up to the polls.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD