Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni has firmly defended Dr. Fred Matiang’i, confirming his membership in the party and dismissing claims that the former Interior CS is a “state project” fronted by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking during an interview on Checkmate at Hot 96 FM on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Kioni said Jubilee’s recent Special National Delegates Convention (SNDC) had given the party fresh energy to rebuild, recruit, and position itself as a true national outfit.

“Matiang’i is a member of Jubilee. In that hall we had no outsiders other than the journalists. He is not a project of the government or Uhuru.

“He is a project of the education ministry, and Kenyans remember his track record,” Kioni said, pointing to Matiang’i’s reforms at the Kenya National Examination Council and the implementation of 100% transition in schools.

On whether Matiang’i could be Jubilee’s 2027 presidential flagbearer, Kioni noted that only party members and Kenyans will ultimately decide.

“So far, the only person who has openly offered himself within Jubilee is Fred Matiang’i,” he stated.

Kioni also criticized the current administration, accusing it of dismantling social welfare programs like Linda Mama and introducing costly alternatives such as the Social Health Authority app, which he said wasted over KSh104 billion.

He warned that Kenyans are paying the price through increased school dropouts, healthcare struggles, and economic hardship.

Touching on coalition politics, the SG reiterated that Jubilee remains in Azimio under the agreement signed, but cautioned against opposition leaders trying to limit the party’s political space.

“We are a national party, not a village outfit. If we field a candidate, it must be someone chosen on merit, not through boardroom deals,” he added.

Kioni further revealed that Jubilee is creating a new Central Management Committee (CMC) to provide a political forum for party members and allies to deliberate on issues, while also carving a role for retired President Kenyatta to remain influential in the party without holding the official party leader’s position.

He concluded by warning that attempts to sideline Jubilee or brand Matiang’i as a spoiler would not succeed.

“When Kenyans decide, they decide. Just as they once rallied behind William Ruto, today they are making their voices heard in favor of new leadership. Matiang’i represents that hope,” Kioni emphasized.