Matiang’i’s Presidential Bid: UPA, Not Jubilee, Will Be His Party
Dr. Fred Matiang’i, a key figure in Kenyan politics, continues to draw attention as both the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the Jubilee Party publicly dispute which party he will represent in the 2027 presidential race.
On Thursday, February 27, an official from UPA confirmed that Matiang’i would run for president under their banner, dismissing any suggestions that he would be the Jubilee Party’s candidate.
The UPA representative stated, “Fred Matiang’i’s presidential candidacy will be through UPA,” clearly rejecting Jubilee’s claims.
This statement comes after the Jubilee Party, just weeks earlier, officially named Matiang’i as their presidential hopeful. Jeremiah Kioni, the Jubilee Party Secretary General, had expressed his belief that Matiang’i could unseat President William Ruto in the upcoming elections.
“We have a candidate in Fred Matiang’i, and he will face the competition to ensure Ruto’s departure,” Kioni boldly declared. He further highlighted the strength of the party, pointing out that their membership had surpassed seven million, making them a formidable force in the election race.
Matiang’i’s political journey began when he was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications, and Technology in 2013 by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He was later moved to the Ministry of Education in 2015, where he gained widespread praise for his efforts to combat examination malpractices.
In 2017, following the death of Cabinet Secretary Joseph Ole Nkaissery, Matiang’i was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for the Interior and Coordination of National Government, a position he held until 2022.
Despite the public endorsement from Jubilee, Matiang’i remains affiliated with UPA, and there have been no reports suggesting that he has left the party. In fact, UPA’s National Executive Council formally endorsed him as their candidate for the 2027 election in December 2024.
To enhance his chances of success, Matiang’i is reportedly working with a Canadian lobbying firm to boost his international profile and refine his campaign strategy.
Reports indicate that he has already made an initial payment of $65,000 (approximately Ksh8.4 million) for the consulting services.
Matiang’i is not the only one eyeing the presidency, as other figures, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and activist Morara Kebaso, have also expressed interest in replacing President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.
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