The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i has dismissed speculation that recently circulated photographs showing him with Suna East MP Junet Mohamed and Kisii Governor Simba Arati were evidence of a political meeting.
The photos, widely shared on social media, show the three leaders posing together inside what appears to be an airport lounge, while another captures them engaged in conversation.
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The images sparked online debate, with many questioning whether the encounter signalled behind-the-scenes political negotiations.
Addressing the claims, Matiang’i explained that the meeting was purely coincidental after they checked in at the Kenya Airways counter at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
He said each of them was travelling for different reasons, with Junet and Arati heading to Kisumu while he was travelling to attend a church service in Kisumu County.
“It was simply a chance encounter as we each made our way to board our respective flights,” Matiang’i said.
He also dismissed reports claiming the photographs were taken during a political meeting the previous night, insisting no such meeting had taken place.
“Contrary to claims circulating online, this was not a meeting held the previous night or a planned engagement. It was merely an unexpected encounter at the airport,” he said.
The photos drew attention because the three politicians belong to different political camps.
Junet and Arati, both members of ODM, have recently backed the broad-based arrangement between the party and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Matiang’i, however, has emerged as a key opposition figure and has repeatedly criticised the government.
The photographs triggered mixed reactions across social media.
Facebook user Lawi Okelo Evergreen remarked, “In politics there is no coincidence.”
Nelson Denzel Kirui shared a similar view, saying, “There is no bumping into in politics bro. Ilipangwa,” implying he believed the meeting had been arranged.
Aggrey Nagweya Ndeda also questioned Matiang’i’s explanation, commenting, “They bumped into each other… nothing is coincidental in Kenya.”
Others urged people not to overinterpret the encounter.
John Odhiambo argued that politicians from rival camps often maintain personal friendships despite political differences.
“Politicians are friends just like lawyers who refer to themselves as learned friends,” he wrote.
Some social media users simply expressed surprise at the images.
“Am I dreaming??!” wrote Evans Ombui.
Another user, Sam Githua, even questioned whether the photos were genuine, asking, “Hii si AI?” because the encounter seemed unusual.
Others used the discussion to declare their political preferences ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Odhis Thiringinyi wrote, “The next president Dr. Fred Matiangi,” while Henry Onuko summed up the speculation by posting, “Something is cooking.”
Matiang’i added that after arriving, he joined Siaya Governor James Orengo, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and worshippers at Apondo SDA Church in Ahero for a church service.
