A fresh political realignment is taking shape as Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo rally behind former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i’s presidential bid, sidelining Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a long-time opposition ally.
Governor Nyaribo, the leader of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), met with Kioni in a closed-door meeting to solidify support for Matiang’i’s candidacy in the 2027 elections. The move has sparked questions over why key figures in the opposition are now shifting their support to Matiang’i instead of Kalonzo, who has stood with them for years.
A Strategy to Sideline Kalonzo?
The meeting is part of a growing wave of support for Matiang’i, with Jubilee and UPA keen on positioning him as their preferred presidential candidate. Kioni confirmed the talks, saying they focused on national leadership and the country’s future.
“Early morning deliberations with H.E. Governor Nyaribo, Party Leader of UPA and Governor of the great County of Nyamira,” Kioni posted on his X account, adding that the discussions centered on Matiang’i’s potential leadership.
This development comes as Kalonzo continues to position himself as the natural opposition candidate for 2027, having stood by Raila Odinga in past elections. However, leaders from Kisii and Mt. Kenya appear to be looking elsewhere, hinting at possible dissatisfaction with Kalonzo’s political influence.
Building a Coalition Without Kalonzo
On Tuesday, Kioni revealed that at least 20 political parties from the Kisii and Mt. Kenya regions have intensified weekly meetings to craft a winning formula for Matiang’i. The former Ndaragwa MP expressed optimism, saying the momentum behind Matiang’i is growing even before he officially declares his candidacy.
“The political climate is encouraging, and we have agreed to continue holding weekly consultations while broadening our engagements to strengthen support for Matiang’i,” Kioni told The Star.
Kioni emphasized the importance of grassroots mobilization, stating that each party must actively build its base and establish a national presence—suggesting a deliberate effort to create an alternative to Kalonzo’s long-standing bid for presidency.
Why Dump Kalonzo for Matiang’i?
The decision to rally behind Matiang’i raises critical questions about Kalonzo’s place in opposition politics. Despite his loyalty to Raila Odinga in past elections, some leaders now see Matiang’i as a stronger candidate, citing his track record in government and his ability to attract national appeal.
Kioni and his allies argue that Matiang’i’s tenure as Interior CS under Uhuru Kenyatta showcased his leadership skills, decisiveness, and ability to handle national security—a stark contrast to Kalonzo, who critics say has been indecisive and unwilling to break away from Raila’s shadow.
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Matiang’i to officially declare his bid, with his supporters confident he can challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
On Monday, Kioni led at least 20 political parties in unveiling a roadmap for collaboration aimed at solidifying Matiang’i’s bid. With growing momentum, the 2027 race could be shaping up into a three-horse contest between Ruto, Kalonzo, and now, Matiang’i.
The big question remains—has Kalonzo lost his grip on the opposition, and is Matiang’i now the new face of resistance?
