Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, on Monday, January 27, delivered a message from Jubilee Party’s potential pick for the 2027 Presidential elections, Fred Matiang’i.
Speaking during the launch of the new Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) offices, Onyonka revealed that Matiang’i would soon be leaving his position at the World Bank and come back to Kenya.
“Yesterday Dr Fred Matiang’i called me from where he is working for the World Bank in Latin America. He has decided to leave the job and come back to Kenya to join our brothers,” Onyonka said.
“Secondly, he said that he has observed that many parties have mentioned him as a preferred member but he has asked them to wait so that he can come back home, speak with all our brothers first then decide the way forward.”
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka speaks to the press in Nairobi on January 2, 2022.
Photo
Onyonka also stated that Matiang’i expressed desire to run for Presidency as an equal partner alongside other opposition leaders.
He also reportedly expressed criticism of President William Ruto’s government, stating that the consolidated fund, which is not supposed to be accessed by any President, has been opened at the Central Bank of Kenya.
“The consolidated fund, which is where all Kenya’s money is kept, is open. We are the only country in the world where we borrow money, it never lands in Kenya, and nobody asks anything,” Onyonka stated.
This message comes just a day after the Jubilee party seemingly endorsed the former Interior Cabinet Secretary as their 2027 general elections flagbearer.
In his address on Saturday, the Jubilee Party’s Secretary-General announced that the party had decided to select the former CS as their presidential candidate for 2027.
“We, as the Jubilee Party, have our candidate, Fred Matiang’i. He will face off with the others to ensure Ruto goes home,” Kioni stated.
The announcement came after months of speculation that former President Kenyatta was grooming him for the presidency.
This decision now hangs in the balance following Onyonka’s assertion that Matiang’i urged parties to stop proclaiming him as part of their party.
Matiang’i has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
Former interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i addressing the media following a security meeting in Kisii on Tuesday, August 2, 2022.
Ministry of Interior