Talk within Jubilee circles points to Fred Matiang’i as a possible presidential candidate for 2027. While he’s seen as competent and experienced, this decision could drag Uhuru Kenyatta back into the same political trap he fell into in 2022.
When Uhuru backed Raila Odinga, the strategy collapsed in Mt. Kenya. Many locals felt that once Uhuru exited power, Raila wouldn’t safeguard their political or economic interests.
That perception made Uhuru’s endorsement fall flat, even with heavy campaigning and state machinery behind it.
If Matiang’i becomes Jubilee’s choice, the backlash could be similar. His reputation as a firm and capable technocrat is not in doubt, but he’s not from Mt. Kenya and that alone could trigger resistance.
Voters in the region may again feel sidelined and gravitate toward a candidate they see as one of their own.
With 2027 drawing near, Jubilee is under pressure to strike a delicate balance. The party needs someone who can appeal across the country without alienating the Mt. Kenya base that anchors its influence.
A miscalculation here wouldn’t just hurt their chances, it could erase the party’s relevance going into the next election.
By Nairobi