Uhuru's hand in push for one opposition coalition

Former ruling party Jubilee on Wednesday made a move that could change political formation after its party leader Uhuru Kenyatta met with some leaders who are fronting for a Fred Matiang'i presidential candidature in 2027.  

The Standard has learned that Uhuru is keen on having one opposition presidential candidate who will be revealed in due time after consolidation of all presidential candidates in opposition outfits to unseat Ruto in the next polls.

The Standard understands that Kenyatta is against a candidate unveiled in a rush on grounds that parties should take time to popularize their candidates before a strong candidate is picked.

Some of the parties that have already publicly nominated candidates include Jubilee party which has nominated former interior Matiang’i, Wiper party’s Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K party Eugene Wamalwa and Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) Martha Karua

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The meeting, which was chaired by retired Uhuru took place Wednesday at one of his close ally's homes in Nairobi where he was drumming up the nomination of Matiang’i.  Matiang'i  was being convinced to accept the nomination of Jubilee party’s presidential flag instead of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)

Sources indicated that the meeting was attended by Matiang’i, Jeremiah Kioni, former ICT Cabinet Secretary Joseph Mucheru, former PS Karanja Kibicho, and Kisii senator Richard Onyonka

The meeting is alleged to have been hosted by a former senior official in Uhuru's delivery unit who was also in attendance.

When asked about these developments Jubilee Secretary General Kioni declined to confirm or deny that he had attended.

"Whether or not there was a meeting, the future of our party is to have Matiangi as Jubilee party leader while Uhuru will remain as the patron," said Kioni.

The official added," At this moment, we cannot discuss the coalition since it is too early. We need parties to popularise themselves and we shall discuss the coalition in future. We have not ruled out working with leaders such as Kalonzo, Gachagua and others who are like-minded."

The plan is for all the principal players in the proposed coalition to strengthen their individual political parties so that they can then choose the most formidable presidential candidate and running mate to face off with Ruto. 

In December last year, UPA chairman, Nyambega Gisesa confirmed that the party was ripe enough to nominate a presidential candidate in the 2027 general election and that they will be laying strategies to promote their candidates ambition.

“Our proposed nominee, Dr. Fred Okengo Matiang’i, is a strong candidate, a performer and we have confidence in him and are assured that his vast experience in leadership and governance will save our country from its current worrying and deplorable economic state.” He said

The party Secretary General Jacob Bagaka said “We don’t have any fear of contradiction that Dr Matiang’i’s popularity in the country is indisputable and the decision of the party to prepare for his candidacy is a gesture that has been appreciated from across the country,”

Though Matiang’i is yet to publicly speak on the matter Kisii senator Richard Onyonka last week during the launch of DAP-K party headquarters in Nairobi said Matiang’i will look into all parties before making a decision.

“Secondly, he said that he has observed that many parties have mentioned him as a preferred member but he has asked them to wait so that he can come back home, speak with all our brothers first then decide the way forward,” Onyonka said

It’s said during the meeting Kenyatta said he was ready to let Matiang’i step in as the party leader should he accept the nomination and that Uhuru would gladly take over as the Chairman of the party.

It’s said at a later date all parties with a common goal will amicably settle on the strongest candidate.

While addressing a press jubilee secretary general, Kioni said they settled on Matiang’i as he was one of the top performers in Uhuru's administration and was instrumental in overseeing the government's operations when Uhuru fell out with President Ruto.

Kioni said it was the former CS who stepped in when Ruto went into campaign mode after falling out with Uhuru, managing affairs in his government in his second and last term.

‘’He (Matiang’i) was actually the acting deputy president during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime. When you look around which other person can beat Ruto other than him? Everyone who wants to send Ruto home, we will all come together,’’ Kioni said at the party headquarters in Nairobi.

Matiang’i who was baptized the Super CS during the reign of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta swayed more power than then deputy president William Ruto as he among other things chaired the National Development Implementation and Communications Committee.

According to Matiang’i, they will work with other like-minded parties who are supporting Kenyans who are against a regime that is overtaxing Kenyans.

‘’Has William (The President) ever be employed does he really know the impact of a shrinking payslip?’’ Kioni said.