Is Jubilee Plotting a Comeback in 2027 Under Matiang’i?

Kenya’s political arena continues to surprise as shifting alliances and rivalries reshape the conversation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In the latest discussion on the TalkChat Podcast, political analyst Dr. Michael Ndonye examines the recent reunion of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Fred Matiang’i at the Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) on September 26, 2025. 

The discussion shed light on what this moment means for Jubilee’s positioning, presidential contender Dr. Fred Matiang’i, President Ruto’s re-election bid, and the fluid dynamics defining Kenyan politics.

To begin with, the political analyst traced the history between Uhuru Kenyatta and Fred Matiang’i. During Uhuru’s presidency, Matiang’i served as Cabinet Secretary for nearly a decade, earning the reputation of a “super CS.” 

His influence grew so strong that at times he appeared to overshadow then Deputy President William Ruto, becoming the de facto face of government operations.

On his return from the United States, Matiang'i was promptly hailed as the next presidential hopeful. Speculation about his political future was deepened by speculation of Uhuru's endorsement. 

This context, according to Dr. Ndonye holds the key toward understanding Matiang'i's present positioning as well as his renewed embrace of Uhuru as the 2027 election takes shape.

On the question of whether Matiang’i would contest the presidency under his own party, the analyst noted that this latest development partly provides an answer.

“It appears that former President Uhuru Kenyatta could be positioning Matiang’i as his proxy, offering him the Jubilee Party as a political vehicle,” Dr. Ndonye noted.

"Since Uhuru is not expected to run for the presidency again, fronting Matiang’i would give him a pathway to retain influence while backing a candidate with whom he shares a trusted history,"said Dr Ndonye.

Dr. Ndonye noted that this strategy mirrors Uhuru’s 2022 attempt to propel Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, and although that effort did not succeed, Jubilee could now serve as the platform through which he seeks to remain politically relevant by supporting Matiang’i. 

However, Dr. Ndonye observed that things could get complicated because Matiang’i is still aligned with the United Opposition alongside leaders like Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Martha Karua. 

According to him, this dual positioning creates uncertainty, though it also opens room for possible compromise. One scenario could see Jubilee fielding Matiang’i as the presidential candidate with the United Opposition providing a running mate, or alternatively, the opposition fronting the presidential flag bearer while Jubilee settles for the deputy slot.

Dr. Ndonye also noted that if Matiang’i were to become the presidential flagbearer, the only way to maximize their chances in 2027 would be to pick a deputy from the Mount Kenya region.

However, the challenge arises with Rigathi Gachagua, who commands significant numbers in the region, making it unlikely for him to accept a deputy role under Matiang’i. Therefore, Dr. Ndonye proposed either settling on Kalonzo Musyoka to balance the coalition or, if going for a woman, Ann Waiguru, whose profile and influence in Mount Kenya could help consolidate support.

On President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, Dr. Ndonye observed that these shifting dynamics inevitably complicate his path, but defeating him will still be a tall order. He noted that if Raila Odinga were to throw his weight behind Ruto, the contest would tilt heavily in Ruto’s favor. 

“For the opposition to stand a real chance, they would need not only a well-thought-out strategy but also strong representation from key regions like the Rift Valley and the Coast—areas where they currently lack a solid foothold,” he concluded.