Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Jeremiah Kioni has thrown his support behind the opposition’s plan to field a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, declaring that he is ready to support whoever emerges from the selection process.
Kioni maintained that opposition leaders must put aside their personal ambitions and political differences if they are serious about defeating Ruto at the ballot. He said he was willing to work with any candidate selected by the opposition, insisting that unity should take priority over individual presidential ambitions.
Speaking during a podcast interview on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Kioni challenged leaders seeking to succeed Ruto to agree on one presidential candidate and mobilise their supporters behind that individual.
He argued that the opposition would stand a better chance of mounting a serious challenge if its leaders embraced compromise and accommodated different political interests.
“Let them give us one who will rally around him. Whatever shortcomings he’ll have, we will fit in,” Kioni stated.
The Jubilee deputy leader also emphasised the need for a broader political arrangement that would bring together leaders seeking various elective positions. He noted that winning the presidency alone would not be sufficient without a coordinated team capable of securing parliamentary and other elective seats.
Kioni also questioned former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i’s political approach, suggesting that he should have invested more time in building a national support base before joining the wider opposition movement.
He argued that Matiang’i could have used his government experience to visit different regions, engage voters and independently popularise his presidential ambitions.
Additionally, Kioni cautioned opposition leaders against relying on political slogans and criticism of Ruto without presenting practical solutions.
He identified unemployment, school fees and access to healthcare as key issues that should dominate their campaign, arguing that Kenyans need clear proposals explaining how an alternative government would improve their lives.