What You Need to Know
Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang’i has ruled out any collaboration with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections. He criticized Ruto’s history of falling out with allies and expressed his intent to run for president. Matiang’i also condemned the Kenya Kwanza government for recent fuel controversies, asserting that he is serious about his presidential ambitions despite competition
Africa-Press – Kenya. Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang’i has opened up about the prospect of working with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
Matiang’i, who has become an integral part of the United Opposition in recent months, completely dismissed the idea of working with the current Head of State, insisting that it would be counter-productive to his overall goals.
According to Matiang’i, Ruto had a history of falling out with his former allies, hence it would be a bad move to collaborate with the UDA party leader.
“What would we be discussing? Work with him on what? Look at his history, the people he has wanted to work with,” Matiang’i said when asked whether he would consider working with Ruto.
He added, “He is already quarrelling with the ones he has been working with. Surely, am I from Mars? What difference is it going to make?”
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary also criticised the Kenya Kwanza government over the recent fuel controversies as he accused the government of manufacturing a crisis for individual gain.
“If I were head of state, I would not engage and allow cartels to operate in the whole sector, clearly driven by individual interest for some vested elite. I don’t understand why we got into these agreements with private companies,” he said.
On his presidential ambitions, the Jubilee chief was adamant he was going for the top job in 2027, despite the fact that the opposition had yet to name an official flagbearer.
Interestingly, the likes of Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, have all expressed interest in the top job despite being in the same faction.
“I have not thought about not being President. I would not invest in something if I am not like 70-80% sure about it. I do a lot of scientific work, and I am confident; I am serious about everything I do. I can’t see President Ruto’s pathway to election victory,” the former CS added.
As far as Matiangi’s relationship with Ruto is concerned, there is no love lost between the two leaders, who have been going at each other publicly in recent months, albeit through personal attacks.
Despite being affiliated to 4th President Uhuru Kenyatta’s party, Matiang’i refuted the notion that he was Uhuru’s project because he served in the Jubilee administration.
The political landscape in Kenya has been marked by shifting alliances and rivalries, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections. Fred Matiang’i, a prominent figure in the Jubilee Party, has recently aligned himself with the United Opposition, distancing himself from President Ruto. This move reflects broader tensions within Kenyan politics, where past alliances often dissolve amid personal and political conflicts. The upcoming elections are expected to be highly competitive, with multiple candidates vying for the presidency, including notable figures from various political factions.
