Fred Matiang’i Calls for Inclusive Process in Opposition Presidential Selection

Jubilee Deputy Party leader Fred Matiangi at a function on February 18, 2026.

Jubilee Party deputy leader and 2027 presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has called on the opposition coalition to adopt an inclusive process in selecting its presidential candidate, stressing that the method of building alliances is as important as the final choice.

Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 18, after receiving endorsement from the PNU party, Matiang’i emphasised the need to involve all stakeholders, including the public, in any unity talks.

“From where I sit, it ought to be an inclusive process. In alliance building, process is as important as the outcome itself. If you have five candidates, four will miss out, and they must be able to tell their supporters that the process was fair and credible,” Matiang’i said.

He added: “If our goal is unity, there is no substitute for inclusion. The people of Kenya should be part of the process, and we must be open and transparent about these decisions.”

Matiang’i’s remarks come amid intense competition within the opposition, as each principal vies for the coalition’s endorsement to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general elections.

The opposition has repeatedly pledged to field a single candidate, warning that internal divisions would hand an easy win to Ruto.

The coalition plans to announce its presidential candidate in April 2026, although some leaders are pushing for an announcement closer to early 2027.

Despite the competition, Matiang’i and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka remain the frontrunners, with one likely to emerge as the flagbearer. Matiang’i reassured the public of the coalition’s unity, saying, “For anyone betting on our differences, you will lose. We are going to stand together, and we are going to remain united.”

The opposition coalition also includes other prominent leaders such as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi, all playing key roles in shaping the coalition’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.