Ngunjiri Wambugu: I Preferred Kioni Over Matiang’i as Jubilee Party Leader

Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has revealed that he preferred former Jubilee Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni to take over as the party leader instead of Fred Matiang’i.

Wambugu spoke shortly after former President Uhuru Kenyatta handed over the leadership of Jubilee to Matiang’i as the party prepares for its National Delegates Convention (NDC).

In a statement shared on social media on Tuesday, Wambugu said Matiang’i was not his preferred choice for the party leadership, although he backed him as his preferred presidential candidate.

“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.

Uhuru announced the leadership transition during a meeting with Jubilee officials in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22, saying he had decided to allow Matiang’i to lead the party as it prepares for the NDC.

“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.

The former President said he would remain a member of Jubilee and continue serving the party in a senior advisory capacity.

Wambugu said the forthcoming NDC would give Jubilee delegates an opportunity to determine the party’s leadership, leaving room for members to express their views through the party’s formal structures.

Matiang’i, in his remarks following the transition, called on Jubilee members to maintain unity and use dialogue to resolve differences within the party.

“I want to ask members to ensure 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 said Jubilee remained open to different views as the party seeks to maintain stability and focus on its future.