Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiang’i has gained a major political endorsement as the Party of National Unity confirmed its support for his 2027 presidential ambitions.
The agreement, which brings together PNU and Jubilee Party, is being seen as a strategic move that could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the next general election.
The announcement was made by PNU Secretary General Frank Walukwe, who spoke alongside Jubilee officials, including Matiang’i, Jeremiah Kioni, and PNU leader Peter Munya.
“Recognising his character, leadership credentials, and proven track record of transformative public service, the PNU Party has resolved that it shall not field a presidential candidate and will instead support Dr Matiang’i’s candidature,” Walukwe said.
Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta described the alliance as the start of broader collaboration with other opposition parties.
“The parties commit to working jointly with other like-minded parties within the Opposition to develop a comprehensive working framework, which will be formally adopted and signed at an appropriate time,” he said.
The collaboration carries historical significance, linking two parties that have previously steered the nation. Jubilee propelled former President Uhuru Kenyatta to power, while PNU secured Mwai Kibaki’s re-election in 2007.
Jubilee posted on Facebook calling the agreement “a defining moment in the political history of our nation,” highlighting the governance experience both parties bring to the table.
“These are not parties of experiment or empty slogans. They are parties that have formed government before, parties whose record in stabilising the economy, building institutions, expanding infrastructure, and protecting national unity is well known to every Kenyan,” the post read.
Both parties praised Matiang’i’s record across public service sectors.
“Dr Matiang’i represents discipline in public service, courage in decision-making, and a track record of results in education reform, security coordination, and public administration,” the statement said.
The alliance is also being presented as a credible alternative to the current leadership.
“At a time when our nation is weighed down by broken promises, rising costs of living, and leadership that has lost touch with the everyday struggles of Kenyans, this alliance offers a credible and tested alternative,” the statement added.
Leaders stressed that the partnership is not solely about electoral strategy.
“This partnership is not merely political arithmetic; it is a commitment to rescue our economy, restore dignity to public institutions, empower young people, and return honesty to government,” they said.
Matiang’i emphasised that any process to select the opposition presidential candidate must be fair and participatory.
“In my view, it has to be a transparent and inclusive process, as in alliance building…the process is as key as the end result,” he said.
Peter Munya echoed the importance of clear rules for choosing a candidate.
“We will participate in the process of choosing the presidential candidate, but we must sit down and agree on the guiding conditions. There must be transparency,” he said.
Jeremiah Kioni described the pact as an expression of national duty.
“There comes a moment in the life of every nation when patriotism must rise above personality, when country must be placed firmly above individual ambition. The journey ahead will demand courage, unity, and truth. But today, we choose nation over noise, integrity over intrigue, and hope over hollow slogans,” he wrote.
Matiang’i will contend with several other opposition figures, including former Chief Justice David Maraga, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and People Liberations Party leader Martha Karua as they position to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
