The Jubilee Party has appointed the former Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, as its Deputy Party Leader.
During its National Executive Council meeting on October 30, the party also endorsed him as its presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election.
This comes months after the party's Secretary General, Jeremiah Kioni, announced that the party would back Matiang'i in the Presidential race.
While making the announcement after the meeting, which was chaired virtually by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Kioni confirmed that Matiang'i would henceforth represent Jubilee in the United Opposition.
"We have received and formally accepted Dr Fred Matiang’i’s application for his presidential bid, and the NEC has agreed that he carries our flag," Kioni said.
"We have appointed Dr Fred Matiang’i as our Deputy Party Leader going forward," he added.
In addition to the new appointment, the former ruling party also announced that the meeting had deliberated on matters of party structure and strategy, with a focus on grassroots operations.
As such, they resolved to go ahead with the party revamp, opening branches, and reaching out to its members and new members.
Other vacant leadership positions were also filled, including the Whip of the National Assembly, to be filled by Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama and the Senate Whip, to be filled by Senator James Lomenen.
On September 26, during the party’s National Delegates Conference (NDC) graced by Uhuru, Matiang'i was also present, giving all indications that he was ready to be the party's flagbearer after months of speculation.
Reportedly, he was being groomed by the former President to take over the party's former glory by vying for the Presidency in 2027.
Matiang'i, who has never held an electoral seat, even quit his job at the World Bank Latin America to throw all his weight behind seeking election to the top seat.
