Jubilee and the Party of National Unity (PNU) have agreed to work together, in a move widely seen as bolstering Dr Fred Matiang’i’s negotiating power down the line should push come to shove.
Jubilee Party has already endorsed Dr Matiang’i as its presidential aspirant for the 2027 General Election.
“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,” PNU Secretary-General Frank Walukwe said. He was flanked by Jubilee Party officials including Dr Matiang’', Jeremiah Kioni and PNU's Peter Munya.
The parties held a joint press conference to announce the political pact between the former ruling 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,” Mr Ole Kenta said.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta rode to power on the Jubilee Party ticket, while his predecessor, the late Mwai Kibaki, was re-elected on a PNU ticket in 2007, giving the pact renewed historical and symbolic weight.
As leader of the Jubilee Party, Kenyatta is widely believed to have approved the developments, even though he was not present.
According to insiders, the choice of the Kibaki and Kenyatta parties is intended to make Dr Matiang’i’s candidacy more appealing in Mount Kenya, where the former presidents hail from.
At the same time, the alliance could be seen as Dr Matiang'i positioning himself for a solo presidential bid in 2027, should a consensus within the United Opposition prove elusive.
