Kalonzo Reveals Why he Won’t Attend Matiang’i’s Jubilee Endorsement Event
The opposition coalition is facing a new test after Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said he will not attend Jubilee’s Special Delegates Conference on Friday.
The meeting is set to formalise former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as Jubilee’s presidential candidate with the backing of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and was seen as a major step in defining the opposition’s 2027 line-up.
Speaking at Wiper headquarters on Wednesday while issuing nomination certificates to candidates for upcoming by-elections, Kalonzo cited legal sensitivities and lack of invitation as reasons for not attending.
“The last time we attended, people went to court arguing outsiders had interfered. So, I will not attend,” he said.
He also dismissed claims he is considering aligning with President William Ruto ahead of the next elections.
“That is pure nonsense. Let them say all they want. I remain committed to the united opposition. President Ruto, just like Malawi’s Lazarus Chakwera, will be a one-term president,” Kalonzo said.
Opposition Rivalries Deepen
While Kalonzo framed his absence as procedural, political observers see deeper cracks in the opposition. The coalition which brings together at least six parties including Wiper, Jubilee, Martha Karua’s PLP, Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-K, Justin Muturi’s Democratic Party and Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP is now grappling with growing rivalry over who should carry its presidential ticket in 2027.
Matiang’i, once considered a technocrat with no political appetite, has in recent weeks shown serious interest in the presidency. On Tuesday, he chaired a consultative meeting with Jubilee officials led by Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni at Safari Park Hotel, which was seen as a show of intent.
Sources close to Jubilee reveal Uhuru Kenyatta views Matiang’i as the ideal candidate to take on Ruto, describing him as a reformist with national appeal and technocratic credibility. Friday’s NDC is expected to confirm sweeping leadership changes that will position Matiang’i as Jubilee’s flagbearer.
Kalonzo’s Political Math
For Kalonzo, skipping the event avoids the impression of endorsing Matiang’i’s candidacy which would weaken his own standing as a long serving opposition leader. His allies argue 2027 should be his turn, pointing out he has waited patiently through previous election cycles. They also say Matiang’i is “young” and can be supported in future contests.
On the other hand Matiang’i’s backers argue he represents a generational shift and a clean break from past opposition failures, citing his record in government and national recognition.
The dynamics are further complicated by Rigathi Gachagua the former deputy president who was impeached last year. Gachagua now leading the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has openly opposed Matiang’i’s bid through Jubilee, urging him to form his own party. Analysts see this as part of Gachagua’s plan to consolidate Mt Kenya as his bargaining chip within the opposition.
Kalonzo has confirmed he will attend the PLP delegates conference next month, so he is still engaged with other coalition partners.
In Western Kenya opposition politics is also shifting with DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa facing competition from Governor George Natembeya’s “Tawe Movement” which is gaining grassroots momentum.
As 2027 draws near the opposition coalition’s struggle to balance individual ambitions with collective unity is emerging as its biggest test. Kalonzo’s decision to skip Jubilee’s event shows just how fragile that balance has become.
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Kalonzo Reveals Why he Won’t Attend Matiang’i’s Jubilee Endorsement Event