Lawyer Wahome Thuku has urged former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi to assert his independence in selecting a running mate for the 2027 presidential race, calling for competence to outweigh political negotiations.
In a statement on social media, Thuku dismissed speculation that Matiangi might be pressured to pick former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka.
“Dr Fred Matiangi will not be boxed to pick Kalonzo Musyoka as his running mate. We don’t want a repeat of 2022,” he said.
He added that the running mate should be chosen based on “taste and chemistry” and must have “equal ability to become President.”
Thuku’s remarks highlight his criticism of Kenya’s “negotiated democracy,” a practice where political alliances are formed through deals rather than merit.
“This negotiated democracy is what has stagnated our country,” he said, suggesting that past arrangements have hindered leadership effectiveness and national progress.
Political observers note that Thuku’s comments tap into a broader debate on merit versus political convenience in Kenyan politics.
While alliances remain central in elections, calls for competency-driven decisions are gaining traction, especially among voters frustrated by transactional politics.
Matiangi, a former Jubilee Party presidential aspirant, has not yet confirmed his choice of running mate, leaving speculation open.
Thuku’s intervention appears aimed at reinforcing public expectation that leadership decisions should prioritize ability and compatibility over political bargaining, a move that could influence strategies ahead of the 2027 polls.
This approach signals a potential shift in Kenya’s political culture, emphasizing merit and independent judgment in the selection of key leadership partners.