According to reports by the Daily Nation, former President Uhuru Kenyatta is allegedly backing Fred Matiang’i, the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, as the Jubilee Party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The move comes as Kenyatta seeks to unite the opposition behind Matiang’i, including reaching out to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose allies have recently joined President William Ruto’s government.
The Daily Nation reports that Kenyatta is taking a leading role in coordinating efforts to solidify support for Matiang’i within the opposition, hoping to build a strong alliance for the upcoming election. Sources indicate that Kenyatta’s efforts are focused on bringing together key political figures, including Odinga, to ensure a unified front in the race for the presidency.
Matiang’i has already begun to make strides towards his presidential bid. He recently hosted a consultative meeting in Karen, Nairobi, attended by nine legislators from the Gusii region, where his potential candidacy was a key topic of discussion. The meeting highlighted his plans to run for president and the growing momentum behind his political aspirations.
Uhuru Kenyatta’s reported involvement in these plans signals a strategic push to strengthen the opposition, aiming to create a viable challenge to President Ruto in 2027. The Daily Nation suggests that the former president’s support for Matiang’i could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape in the coming years.
As the 2027 election approaches, political observers are closely watching the developments, particularly regarding the unity of the opposition and how Kenyatta’s backing could shape the race for the presidency.