The Jubilee Party has declared that only former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has the “nerve and national influence” capable of unseating President William Ruto in the next General Election.
Through its Secretary General Richard ole Kenta, the party rallied support for Dr. Matiang’i, saying he possesses the experience, integrity and broad-based appeal necessary to mount a formidable challenge against President Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
“Dr. Matiang’i has already demonstrated firmness in leadership and an unwavering commitment to public service. He has the nerve and the national network to hound Ruto out of office,” stated ole Kenta.
The remarks were made in Kisii County during the opening of a regional party office at Nyangena area in Kitutu Chache South.
Party chair Vincent Kemosi said the country is in need of “steady and decisive leadership,” adding that many Kenyans are dissatisfied with the current administration’s handling of economic and governance issues.
The officials sharply criticised President Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on key promises made during the 2022 General Election.
No Sacred Cows in Primaries
Kemosi said the party would not have sacred cows in the upcoming primaries, adding that only candidates who win fairly in nominations would receive party tickets.
Deputy party chair Zack Kinuthia affirmed that all aspirants would be subjected to party nominations without exception.
However, the officials said presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i would be exempted from the primaries, citing what they described as overwhelming support for him.
“All forms in our national offices are blank. Let nobody lie to you that he or she will be favoured and walk in through the back door to get handed a ticket,” Kinuthia said at Nyangena during the office opening.
Kemosi reiterated that the party was committed to upholding transparency, fairness and internal democracy as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
“There is no sacred cow in Jubilee. Every aspirant, regardless of status or previous position, will go through the nomination process, except Matiang’i,” he said.
He added that the party would not issue direct tickets or shield any candidate from facing the electorate during the primaries, saying the move is aimed at restoring public confidence and ensuring only popular candidates fly the Jubilee flag.
The officials said clear guidelines would soon be released outlining nomination timelines, eligibility criteria and dispute resolution mechanisms.
They urged aspirants to engage supporters peacefully and respect the outcome of the exercise once it begins.
Opinion Poll Claims
Kemosi further claimed that recent opinion polls show Matiang’i commanding a “gargantuan lead” over President Ruto and would win if elections were held today.
“All internal and independent surveys consistently show Matiang’i enjoying widespread national support ahead of the next general election cycle. Credible data suggests growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration and a strong appetite for alternative leadership,” he said.
He described the former CS as a unifying figure capable of consolidating support across regions.
Security Concerns Ahead of Tour
Youth leader Darius Mosoti warned rival political camps against allegedly mobilising goons to disrupt Matiang’i’s upcoming homecoming visit in the Gusii region.
He said they had received reports of plans by unnamed opponents to interfere with the former Interior CS’s second visit to the region since declaring his political intentions earlier this year.
“We want to caution those planning to ferry goons to cause chaos that the people of this region are peaceful and ready to receive their leaders in an orderly manner. Let politics be about ideas, not intimidation,” he said.
Dr. Matiang’i is expected to tour several parts of Kisii and Nyamira counties from Sunday to Wednesday alongside other opposition figures in what allies describe as consultative meetings with grassroots supporters.
The visit comes amid heightened political activity in the region as leaders begin early mobilisation ahead of the next General Election cycle.
Party officials said the event would proceed as planned and called on security agencies to ensure adequate protection for all attendees, regardless of political affiliation.
“We respect democracy and the right of every Kenyan to associate freely. We ask our competitors to do the same,” Kemosi added.
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