By Hope Barbra
It has been months since Dr. Fred Matiang’i signaled his intention to run for political office, but he remains undecided on which political vehicle to use. This indecisiveness risks eroding confidence among his supporters and political allies.
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Party, which Matiang’i midwifed in the run-up to the 2022 elections while still serving in Jubilee, has quietly been undergoing changes. At the same time, Jubilee Party has openly courted him as their preferred candidate. Yet both Jubilee and the Party of National Unity come with risks. By aligning with them, Matiang’i risks being branded a political project and, more dangerously, appearing as an anti-DCP candidate, the very coalition he needs most at this stage.
Matiang’i can no longer afford to fence-sit. He must decisively settle the party issue to avoid further confusion. One viable option is to convene a summit of his supporting parties and assume leadership of that formation while buying time for negotiations ahead of 2027. Such a summit would reassure and stabilize the entities rallying behind him, many of which are growing weary, tired, and increasingly confused.
Adding to the mix is the newly launched National Economic Development Party, linked to behind-the-scenes strategist “Chairman” Peterson Maina, which has also declared alignment with Matiang’i. This growing list of suitors underscores both his political appeal and the mounting pressure to make a move before options close in.
Further complicating the situation are Members of Parliament eager to rally behind him. Many are desperate for a fresh political outfit but feel trapped by their commitments to existing formations under the Political Parties Act. Their frustration only deepens the sense of disarray.
Matiang’i also remains tethered to his old, well-oiled networks, many of which are wealthy, youthful, and politically ambitious. Ignoring them would be costly, yet integrating them into a coherent strategy demands urgency and clarity.
The long and short of it: Dr. Matiang’i must take the bull by the horns and settle the party question. His supporters need a clear identity to rally around. With time slipping away, indecision could turn into political paralysis, and that would be costly ahead of 2027.
