• Dr. Ndonye suggests that the former president, Uhurur Kenyatta, might be strategically positioning Dr. Fred Matiang’i to disrupt the opposition’s unity and, in turn, make it easier for President Ruto to secure re-election in 2027.

After​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the Jubilee Party chose Dr. Fred Matiang'i as the Deputy Party Leader and the flag bearer, there have been numerous discussions in Kenya's political arena about what he will do next and what will happen to the party that onced ruled.‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌

The former Interior Cabinet Secretary, known for his firm leadership and administrative efficiency, during the reign of former president Uhuru Kenyatta is now re-emerging as a potential presidential candidate. 

According to political analyst Dr. Michael Ndonye, “Matiang’i’s rising but it’s not yet uhuru”. “Matiang’i is rising,” Dr. Ndonye noted, “but it will have implications because he is not the owner of the party."

"He is navigating a party that still carries the imprint of former President Uhuru Kenyatta,” he added.

Speaking on the TalkChat Podcast, Dr. Ndonye notes that this move by the Jubilee Party, once the ruling party from 2013 to 2022, appears to be a way for Uhuru, though away from active politics, to quietly reposition himself ahead of the 2027 General Election. 

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“The elevation of Dr. Fred Matiang’i as the Deputy Party Leader of Jubilee is a politically strategic move for Uhuru to remain relevant in national politics, even without being directly involved,” Dr. Ndonye noted.

However, even though Dr. Ndonye observes that this development presents Matiang’i as a rising figure and places him in a stronger position than when he had no party at all, it also comes with challenges.

“Matiang’i cannot have full control of the party,” Dr. Ndonye noted, “and he will have to carry the political baggage associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.”

This new position in Jubilee has raised questions about Matiang’i’s political stand, given that he is still a member of the United Opposition,a coalition that includes prominent figures such as Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, and Eugene Wamalwa.

However, Dr. Ndonye points out that “first of all, the so-called United Opposition is not truly united,” adding that Matiang’i has never been fully part of it.

Heading to 2027, Dr. Ndonye observes that if the United Opposition and the Jubilee Party decide to come together and unite, it will place Dr. Fred Matiang’i in a strategic position where he can effectively negotiate his political future.

“Matiang’i now has a great chance where he could either become the presidential flag bearer of the United Opposition or deputize another candidate in the united opposition,” noted Dr. Ndonye.

In an interesting twist, Dr. Ndonye observes that former President Uhuru Kenyatta today appears closer to President William Ruto than he is to Rigathi Gachagua.

Therefore, he suggests that the former president might be strategically positioning Dr. Fred Matiang’i to disrupt the opposition’s unity and, in turn, make it easier for President Ruto to secure re-election in 2027.

In the end, Dr. Ndonye is of the opinion that Dr. Fred Matiang’i mustn't bank entirely on the handedness and support of Uhuru Kenyatta but should rather engage himself in cultivating his own grassroots networks and interacting with the people ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌face-to-face.

Stay connected with us on the TalkChat podcast for analysis on presidential politics.