Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has issued a strong warning that she will withdraw her political support if Azimio leader Raila Odinga abandons the broad-based government arrangement to join former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
Speaking on TV47 show on Morning Cafe on Thursday, October 2, 2025, Orwoba said such a move would cast serious doubt on the sincerity and credibility of the opposition’s agenda.
“For me personally, the day Raila Odinga leaves the broad-based government and joins Fred Matiang’i, I will not be part of that movement. That day, I will lose faith. I will no longer believe that the intentions are genuine,” she declared emphatically.
The Senator stressed that Raila’s long-standing engagement in the broad-based government makes it difficult to accept that he could join forces with Matiang’i.
“There is widespread talk that Raila wants to abandon the broad-based government to join Matiang’i. As a politician, I see signs that trouble is brewing, and I will know we are heading towards a dead end,” Orwoba said.
She warned that political coalitions formed under unclear intentions risk collapse and can mislead the people of Kenya.
“We could be trapped in a never-ending cycle, thinking we are pushing for real change, only for some leaders to suddenly claim they have another candidate — William Ruto. That is not wise,” she added.
Her remarks come days after Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni publicly backed Fred Matiang’i as the ideal presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 general election.
Speaking on TV47 on Monday, September 29, 2025, Kioni said: “Kenyans are yearning for a leader who is not just a career politician, but a national manager capable of uniting the country and addressing its challenges decisively.”
He added: “Matiang’i has a unique appeal that cuts across tribes, regions, and social classes. Not because he belongs to Jubilee, but because he inspires unity across Kenya.”
Kioni pointed out that although Matiang’i is already a Jubilee member and attended the party’s National Delegates Conference, his appeal goes beyond partisan lines.
“Kenyans say they don’t want just another politician; they want a manager. If that candidate emerges from Jubilee, we will stand behind him. When the time comes, we will all unite to support him,” he said.
