Expert Warns Uhuru’s Backing of Matiang’i Could Divide Opposition

Talk within Jubilee Party circles has shifted to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as a possible flagbearer in the 2027 presidential race. 

His image as a competent administrator and firm technocrat makes him a strong option, but the choice could reopen old wounds for the party.

Analysts warn that Jubilee may be repeating the same strategic error that former President Uhuru Kenyatta made in 2022. 

Back then, Uhuru’s endorsement of Raila Odinga failed to win over Mt. Kenya voters despite an intensive campaign effort.

Many in the region felt that once Uhuru left State House, Raila would not prioritize their political or economic interests.

That perception led to widespread rejection of the endorsement, severely weakening Jubilee’s influence.

If Matiang’i is fronted as Jubilee’s preferred candidate, a similar backlash could emerge. While his credibility as an experienced leader is not questioned, the fact that he does not hail from Mt. Kenya could fuel resistance.

For Mt. Kenya voters, the sense of exclusion in national leadership has often shaped electoral decisions. They may once again rally behind a candidate considered “one of their own” rather than support an outsider.

This presents a delicate dilemma for Jubilee. On one hand, the party needs a national figure who appeals beyond regional boundaries. On the other, it cannot afford to alienate its Mt. Kenya base.

Political observers argue that a miscalculation on this front could cost Jubilee dearly in 2027.

Failure to strike the right balance might not just weaken its prospects but could also threaten the party’s long-term relevance.

With the election fast approaching, Jubilee’s leadership faces a defining moment in shaping its survival.