I preferred Kioni as Jubilee party leader, Not Matiang’i – Ex-MP Ngunjiri Wambugu

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has reacted to former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to hand over the Jubilee Party leadership to his deputy, Fred Matiang’i, ahead of the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC).

Wambugu, in a statement on social media on Tuesday, said he had preferred former Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni to lead the party, although he welcomed Matiang’i’s appointment.

“Matiangi was not my preferred party leader as much as he’s my preferred presidential candidate. I preferred Kioni. But I can live with this decision – until the NDC that Uhuru has confirmed will be held soon – then we see what delegates say,” Wambugu said.

His remarks came shortly after Uhuru announced the leadership transition during a meeting with Jubilee officials in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22.

Uhuru said he had decided to allow Matiang’i to take over the party leadership as Jubilee prepares for the NDC, which is expected to formalise the transition.

“While we wait for NDC, I have decided to let my deputy take over the party leadership. I want to ask you respectfully to accept Fred Matiang’i to take the position of Jubilee party leader,” Uhuru stated.

Uhuru said he would remain a Jubilee member and continue serving the party in a senior advisory capacity.

Wambugu said the upcoming NDC would give Jubilee delegates an opportunity to determine the party’s leadership, signalling that the current arrangement could still be subjected to the party’s formal internal process.

Matiang’i, meanwhile, called for unity and dialogue within Jubilee, saying the party has mechanisms to resolve internal differences.

“I want to ask members to ensure the Jubilee Party is stable and committed to the future. All views are welcomed; we can talk within the party to preserve the unity of the party,” he said.

Matiang’i urged party members to remain focused on the stability and future of Jubilee while using dialogue to address divergent views.