Jubilee Party leader and presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has called for an end to tribal politics, urging Kenyans to embrace national unity and opposition leaders to work together ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Matiang’i made the remarks on Thursday, November 5, during a series of political rallies in Limuru and Wangige, Kiambu County, where he was accompanied by leaders from different political formations within the United Opposition.
The delegation included Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta, Kiharu MP and People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua and Kenya Moja Movement Party leader Bishop Margaret Wanjiru.
Other Jubilee leaders also joined the engagements as the politicians addressed residents on the country’s political direction and the need for a united opposition.
Speaking in Limuru, Matiang’i strongly criticised ethnic-based political mobilisation, warning that divisions along tribal lines threatened the country’s cohesion.
He called on Kenyans to reject political narratives that place communities against one another, maintaining that the country was built on unity and should remain united regardless of people’s ethnic backgrounds.
The former Interior Cabinet Secretary argued that political differences should not undermine the shared interests of citizens, urging leaders to prioritise national unity over ethnic considerations.
Matiang’i also addressed the opposition’s internal disagreements, expressing confidence that leaders from different political parties would eventually overcome their differences and rally behind a common agenda.
He maintained that the opposition needed to work together to challenge President William Ruto’s administration, saying its leaders should remain focused on their shared objective of sending the President home in the 2027 elections.
His appeal comes amid disagreements among opposition figures over coalition arrangements, political influence and the process of identifying a joint presidential candidate.
The different political formations have been holding separate engagements as leaders negotiate how to build a coalition capable of challenging Ruto.
Matiang’i’s call for unity therefore comes as the opposition continues to navigate competing interests and questions about how its presidential campaign should be organised.
During the Limuru engagement, the Jubilee leader also questioned the effectiveness of the Social Health Authority (SHA), raising concerns over the financial burden faced by families seeking medical treatment.
He questioned why Kenyans continued to depend on public fundraisers to pay medical bills despite the government’s promise that the new health insurance system would improve access to healthcare.
His concerns placed the implementation of the health programme among the issues raised during the rallies, alongside the broader questions of national leadership and political unity.
The Limuru and Wangige engagements brought together leaders from Jubilee, PPK, PLP and the Kenya Moja Movement, reflecting the participation of different political formations in the ongoing opposition activities ahead of the next General Election.
Matiang’i continues to position national unity and cooperation among opposition leaders as central issues in the push to challenge the current administration.
