Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has formally joined the Jubilee Party, ending weeks of speculation over his political alignment.

The presidential hopeful announced his move on Sunday while meeting members of the Abagusii community in Mavoko, Machakos County. He confirmed that he had accepted former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s invitation to join the party after attending its National Delegates Conference (NDC) last month.

“I am declaring openly that I have joined Jubilee. As we said during the NDC, it's time to join the Jubilee Party,” Matiang’i said.

Although he did not address delegates during the NDC, the former minister said he had now taken charge of the party and would embark on rebuilding it into a national movement.

“All these aspirants who are here eyeing different seats should now wear Jubilee Party colours during our next meeting. I also have my Jubilee Party hat here,” he said, likening his joining to an initiation ceremony that must be witnessed.

Plans to Revive Jubilee

Matiang’i revealed that his first task will be to revitalise Jubilee by reopening offices and mobilising grassroots support across the country.

“We will soon meet to announce grassroots elections as we seek to rejuvenate the party,” he added, noting that the process would start with new branches in Embakasi and Kitengela.

He was accompanied by Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni and MPs Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South) and Muthoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), who expressed support for his decision.

Last weekend, while in Nakuru, Matiang’i defended his move, saying no one had the right to dictate his political choices.

“Kenya is a democracy. Every leader has the right to decide where they belong,” he said.

Reactions From Political Leaders

Deputy Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, speaking during a Sunday night interview on KTN News, said he had no issue with Matiang’i’s decision to join Jubilee.

“The next election will be a two-horse race, like it happened in 2002,” Gachagua said. “It will be the United Opposition versus William Ruto, and we will win by 70 plus one per cent.”

He described Matiang’i as one of the key figures in efforts to unite the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

The announcement cements Matiang’i’s return to active politics and marks a major development in efforts to re-energise the Jubilee Party, which has struggled to regain its footing since the 2022 elections.