PNU Backs Fred Matiang’i for 2027 as He Demands Transparent Opposition Nomination Process

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Jubilee Party presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i has declared he will only accept the opposition coalition’s presidential flag bearer decision if the selection process is free, transparent and inclusive

Matiang’i’s 2027 State House bid received a significant boost after the Party of National Unity (PNU) formally resolved not to field its own presidential candidate and instead back his candidacy

Speaking amid growing momentum within the opposition ranks, Matiang’i emphasized that the credibility of the nomination process will determine public trust in the eventual candidate

“In my view, it has to be a transparent and inclusive process, as in alliance building — the process is as key as the end result,” said Matiang’i

He cautioned against opaque negotiations, insisting that unity within the coalition must be built on openness and clear guiding principles

“We must have a credible basis of conviction to show all our supporters how we will arrive at our candidate. We cannot operate on the basis of conspiracy, as our interest is unity. There is nothing to hide,” he added

PNU party leader Peter Munya affirmed that while the party has endorsed Matiang’i, it remains committed to a transparent coalition framework

“We will participate in the process of choosing the presidential candidate, but we must sit down and agree on the guiding conditions. There must be transparency,” Munya stated

Moitalel Ole Kenta, Secretary General of Jubilee Party, confirmed the bilateral agreement between the two parties

“As Jubilee Party has already endorsed Matiang’i, the PNU Party has resolved not to field a candidate and will instead support Matiang’i’s candidature,” he said

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PNU Secretary General John Okemwa Anunda clarified that the agreement does not undermine collaboration with other parties within the broader United Opposition coalition

“Whatever we have decided today does not preclude other like-minded parties, and the arrangement is within the ambit of the United Opposition. We have resolved that we will come up with a framework of engagement between the two parties,” Anunda noted

The endorsement signals early coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election, with opposition leaders now under pressure to craft a nomination formula that balances unity, credibility and public confidence