Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku has expressed concerns about the process used to select Fred Matiang'i as the Jubilee Party's presidential flag bearer for the 2027 General Election. In an interview on a local radio station, Kwenya stated that he believed the decision had not involved sufficient consultation within the party. He also questioned the role of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was the party leader at the time, in decisions affecting the party.
Jubilee announced Matiang'i as its presidential flag bearer on October 30, 2025, following a meeting of the party's National Executive Council (NEC). At the time, Matiang'i was serving as the party's deputy leader. Kwenya called for greater participation by party members in determining its leadership and presidential candidate, stating that the party leader has to accept that the party can't be a one-man-show.
Kwenya, who is among the MPs from the Mt Kenya region allied to President William Ruto, attributed some of Jubilee's challenges since the 2022 General Election to limited engagement between the party leadership and its elected MPs. He said efforts to have Uhuru convene a Parliamentary Group meeting for Jubilee MPs had not yielded results. Kwenya stated that Jubilee MPs were initially brought together under the Azimio coalition, which presented challenges for the party's elected legislators.
Kwenya also recalled seeking assistance from the late former President of ODM, Raila Odinga, over the challenges he said Jubilee MPs faced in Parliament. He said the two legislators subsequently received assistance, including in securing preferred parliamentary committee positions. Kwenya further recalled a private conversation with Uhuru during the burial of the wife of former minister Amos Kimunya, where he raised concerns about the party.
Kwenya expressed concern about Jubilee's declining political influence since the 2022 General Election. He stated that the party has been on a downward spiral and has been bypassed in popularity by some parties which were started recently. Matiang'i took over the leadership of Jubilee from Uhuru on September 22 during a transition meeting at the party's headquarters in Nairobi.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta had asked Jubilee Party members to support Matiang'i as the next party leader ahead of an upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC). Uhuru said he would remain an active senior member and adviser to the party. Kwenya's remarks come as Matiang'i steps up his political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The 2027 General Election is 313 days, 7 hours, and 46 minutes away. With 313 days to go, various political parties are intensifying their activities. Kwenya's concerns about Jubilee's selection process and the party's declining influence highlight some of the challenges the party faces as it prepares for the upcoming election.
Key points
- Kwenya questions the role of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Jubilee's decision-making process.
- Kwenya calls for greater participation by party members in determining Jubilee's leadership and presidential candidate.
- Jubilee's declining political influence and challenges since the 2022 General Election are a concern for the party.
