Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s covert plans for a 2027 coalition deal have prompted Jubilee to back Fred Matiang’i for the presidency.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni revealed in an exclusive interview with The Star that the two sidelined former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party while forging their alliance, even introducing new political partners. Kioni said Jubilee was excluded after he raised concerns that the opposition was becoming a refuge for impeached leaders.
He further warned against the involvement of figures like Gachagua, former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, and Mike Sonko in opposition activities, but his concerns were ignored. According to Kioni, Kalonzo was being positioned as the coalition’s presidential candidate, with either Gachagua or Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua as his running mate.
“They were forming a coalition without involving us, despite Jubilee being one of the largest parties in Azimio, even bigger than Wiper,” Kioni said.
He added that the group planned to unveil the alliance on February 12 and formally exit Azimio. In response, Jubilee countered by announcing its own candidate, forcing the opposing camp to rethink its strategy.
Kioni also disclosed that Jubilee rejected a condition set by Gachagua—that his support for Kalonzo depended on Ukambani delivering four million votes. “I warned them to slow down on their plans and endorsements, but they refused to listen,” he said.
Jubilee’s endorsement of Matiang’i has raised questions, especially since the party had previously positioned Kalonzo as the leader of the opposition. However, Kioni pointed to Kalonzo and Gachagua’s aggressive maneuvering as the breaking point.
Kioni has notably been absent from Kalonzo-led activities, including the recent launch of Democratic Alliance Party of Kenya’s headquarters, attended by Gachagua. During the event, Kalonzo hinted at a grand coalition, stating, “While Ruto forces parties to merge into UDA, we will take a different approach.”
Despite these developments, Kioni remains firm that Jubilee will not participate in a super coalition for the 2027 elections. “We will not accept zoning this time. Every party must fight for its space,” he declared.
