Former Interior Cabinet Secretary and newly minted Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Dr. Fred Matiang'i has come out guns blazing to dispel persistent rumors of a backdoor deal with the Kenya Kwanza administration. In a fiery address to party delegates, the "Super CS" asserted that the former ruling party remains the "anchor and bedrock" of the United Opposition, effectively shutting the door on any potential handshake.

Speaking after a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting chaired virtually by former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Matiang'i termed the rumors of Jubilee's defection as "state-sponsored propaganda" designed to demoralize their support base. His strong stance comes at a critical time when the opposition coalition, Azimio la Umoja, faces internal jitters over the perceived silence of its top leadership.

The "Super CS" Returns

"Let me be very clear," Matiang'i declared, his signature authoritative tone echoing through the hall. "Jubilee is not for sale. We are not tenants in the opposition; we are the landlords of the alternative agenda. We have a contract with the people of Kenya to hold this government accountable, and we shall not waiver."

Matiang'i's elevation to the Deputy Party Leader position is seen by political pundits as a strategic masterstroke by Uhuru Kenyatta. It positions the no-nonsense administrator as the heir apparent to the party's machinery ahead of the 2027 polls. His "Solidly in Opposition" statement serves two purposes:

• Consolidating the Base: It reassures the Mt. Kenya and Nyanza support bases that the party is intact and focused.
• Warning Shot to Government: It signals that the opposition will likely adopt a more combative and structured approach, leveraging Matiang'i's deep knowledge of state operations.

A United Front?

However, questions remain about the cohesion of the broader United Opposition. With Kalonzo Musyoka also eyeing the top seat, Matiang'i's entry into active politics complicates the matrix. Yet, for the Jubilee faithful, his return is a breath of fresh air.

"The country has missed order," Matiang'i remarked, taking a swipe at the current administration's policy flip-flops. "You cannot run a country on vibes and roadside declarations. We are preparing a government in waiting that respects the rule of law and systems." As the 2027 drums begin to beat, Matiang'i has made one thing clear: the gloves are off, and Jubilee is ready to rumble.