Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has cautioned the opposition against fielding a presidential candidate from the Mt Kenya region, warning that such a move could inadvertently boost President William Ruto’s chances of securing a second term in 2027.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM on Monday, Kioni a close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized the ongoing disunity within the opposition over the process of selecting a flagbearer. He argued that leaving the decision to a small group of leaders risks repeating the mistakes of the 2022 general election.
“In this united opposition, some want six people to decide the flag bearer. I disagree. That will take us back to the same place where we were with Azimio, where in the last election they chose for themselves without consulting Kenyans. Repeating that mistake will only please Ruto in State House,” Kioni remarked.
The former Ndaragwa MP further warned that presenting a Mt Kenya candidate would divide the vote-rich region, giving Ruto a political edge. According to him, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s discomfort stems from Ruto’s ongoing efforts to fragment the Mt Kenya bloc, a strategy that could entrench his influence for years.
“If we make the mistake of fielding a candidate from Mt Kenya, we play straight into Ruto’s hands. Splitting that block, as Ruto is already doing, gives him a clear path to another 15 years in State House,” he said.
Kioni’s warning comes amid growing cracks in the United Opposition over its 2027 strategy. Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i recently resurfaced at the Jubilee Party National Delegates Congress, where he emerged as a potential contender for the party’s presidential ticket. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, addressing the delegates, reaffirmed that Jubilee would field candidates across all elective positions and embark on a nationwide recruitment drive.
Kioni defended the party’s support for Matiang’i, noting that he had been unfairly treated within the opposition and deserved backing.
