In a strongly worded statement released shortly after the announcement on Thursday, October 30, Mbae hailed the move as a “bold and unifying step” toward consolidating the opposition under a single formidable candidate capable of defeating President William Ruto in the first round of voting.
“As DCP and the United Opposition, we welcome the nomination of Dr Fred Matiang’i as a presidential candidate,” Mbae said.
“He joins the other candidates who will come up with a formula to achieve a convincing win during Round One.”
The remarks came moments after the Jubilee Party’s National Executive Council (NEC), chaired by Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni, formally endorsed Matiang’i as its presidential flag bearer and deputy party leader.
The decision marks the party’s clearest declaration yet that it stands firmly with the United Opposition alliance, dispelling months of speculation about its political alignment.
During the NEC presser at Jubilee headquarters, Kioni announced that the party had authorised Matiang’i to represent Jubilee in opposition unity talks and spearhead grassroots mobilisation efforts nationwide.
“We are now fully committed to the opposition cause and to building a strong, united Kenya,” Kioni stated.
Mbae praised the inclusivity of the opposition’s candidate selection process, noting that several principals who had expressed individual ambitions had agreed to shelve their bids and rally behind a consensus flag bearer.
Matiang'i responds after endorsement as Jubilee Party 2027 presidential candidate - People Daily
He hinted that the united front could make a rerun unnecessary.
“The process will ensure fairness among all aspirants and will likely see President Ruto losing in the first round, avoiding a rerun,” he added confidently.
Dr Matiang’i, who has recently intensified his political comeback, reaffirmed his dedication to the united opposition, saying differences among coalition partners would not distract from their shared goal — ending the Ruto administration’s rule in 2027.
The endorsement of Matiang’i, a former powerful minister under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, signals a renewed push by opposition forces to revive the spirit of unity that once defined the handshake era, with insiders saying it could reenergize opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
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