According to reports from Taifa Leo, there are increasing signs that Matiang’i may abandon the idea of a broad opposition coalition and instead contest the presidency on the Jubilee Party ticket.
This possible shift has sparked debate and concern among opposition leaders who fear that fragmentation could weaken their chances against President William Ruto.
The speculation gained momentum after Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni strongly criticised remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who recently suggested that the Mt Kenya region should rally behind a single dominant political party.
Kioni dismissed the idea as unconstitutional and dangerous to national unity, warning that such thinking could reverse democratic gains made under the 2010 Constitution.
“I heard someone say that this region should have only one party,” Kioni said. “That kind of statement takes this country backwards and goes against the Constitution.”
He went further to warn that continued rhetoric of that nature could force Jubilee to completely rethink its place within the opposition alliance.
“We fought hard for this Constitution,” Kioni said. “I will not sacrifice my political future because of reckless statements. If this continues, I will be forced to chart my own political path.”
Political analysts have interpreted Kioni’s remarks as a clear signal that Jubilee is increasingly uncomfortable with opposition politics centred around Gachagua’s influence in Mt Kenya.
Instead, Jubilee appears to be quietly positioning Dr. Matiang’i as its preferred presidential candidate.
Matiang’i is expected to rely heavily on support from the Mt Kenya region, where former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Jubilee’s party leader and Matiang’i’s political patron, still commands significant loyalty. Jubilee insiders believe Uhuru’s backing could give Matiang’i a strong foundation in the region.
However, not everyone is convinced this strategy will succeed. Trade unionist Francis Atwoli issued a cautionary remark, warning against overconfidence.
“If Uhuru Kenyatta could not make Raila Odinga president, Matiang’i should be careful not to assume things will be easy,” Atwoli said.
Recent opinion polls reportedly show Matiang’i performing relatively well compared to other opposition figures, a factor analysts say may be encouraging him to consider an independent path. Yet experts warn that popularity alone is not enough.
Political analyst Dr. Isaac Gichuki argues that Matiang’i’s strengths as a tough administrator may not automatically translate into electoral success.
“Matiang’i is remembered for discipline and firmness as a government official, not as a politician,” Gichuki said. “Without a united opposition coalition, his journey will be very difficult.”
Dr. Gichuki further warned that a Matiang’i presidential bid on the Jubilee ticket could split opposition votes, particularly in Mt Kenya, where multiple parties are already competing for influence, including Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
“A divided opposition greatly improves Ruto’s chances of securing a second term,” he said. “Matiang’i may be surprised if Mt Kenya voters resist attempts to fragment the vote.”
Analysts also point to Jubilee’s renewed grassroots mobilisation efforts in Mt Kenya as a sign that the party is preparing to stand alone if necessary.
Matiang’i is expected to rely heavily on support from the Mt Kenya region, where former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Jubilee’s party leader and Matiang’i’s political patron, still commands significant loyalty. Jubilee insiders believe Uhuru’s backing could give Matiang’i a strong foundation in the region.
However, not everyone is convinced this strategy will succeed. Trade unionist Francis Atwoli issued a cautionary remark, warning against overconfidence.
“If Uhuru Kenyatta could not make Raila Odinga president, Matiang’i should be careful not to assume things will be easy,” Atwoli said.
Recent opinion polls reportedly show Matiang’i performing relatively well compared to other opposition figures, a factor analysts say may be encouraging him to consider an independent path. Yet experts warn that popularity alone is not enough.
Political analyst Dr. Isaac Gichuki argues that Matiang’i’s strengths as a tough administrator may not automatically translate into electoral success.
“Matiang’i is remembered for discipline and firmness as a government official, not as a politician,” Gichuki said. “Without a united opposition coalition, his journey will be very difficult.”
Dr. Gichuki further warned that a Matiang’i presidential bid on the Jubilee ticket could split opposition votes, particularly in Mt Kenya, where multiple parties are already competing for influence, including Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
“A divided opposition greatly improves Ruto’s chances of securing a second term,” he said. “Matiang’i may be surprised if Mt Kenya voters resist attempts to fragment the vote.”
Analysts also point to Jubilee’s renewed grassroots mobilisation efforts in Mt Kenya as a sign that the party is preparing to stand alone if necessary.
An Infotrak poll indicates that 36 per cent of voters in the region remain undecided, making the area a critical battleground.
Despite the growing speculation, Dr. Matiang’i has publicly dismissed claims that the opposition coalition is collapsing.
Despite the growing speculation, Dr. Matiang’i has publicly dismissed claims that the opposition coalition is collapsing.
He has maintained that forming a broad multiparty alliance is complex and that disagreements are normal in coalition politics.
Still, statements from Jubilee leaders suggest that Matiang’i may already be positioning himself independently, raising serious questions about whether the opposition can remain united heading into the 2027 election.
Still, statements from Jubilee leaders suggest that Matiang’i may already be positioning himself independently, raising serious questions about whether the opposition can remain united heading into the 2027 election.
Hello, my name is Yoruba. I'm a 25 year old self-employed blogger from the Africa.
No comments:
Post a Comment