Former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has assumed leadership of the Jubilee Party after retired President Uhuru Kenyatta stepped down from the position. This transition follows a High Court ruling that upheld Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. The act bars retired presidents from holding office in a political party for more than six months after leaving office. Matiang'i, who previously served as Jubilee's deputy party leader, expressed his readiness to collaborate with other leaders and party members.
The High Court ruling, delivered by Justice Lawrence Mugambi, does not prevent former presidents from remaining members of political parties or participating in political activities. It specifically restricts retired presidents from continuing to hold formal positions in political parties beyond the statutory period. Matiang'i thanked Kenyatta for his contribution to Jubilee's leadership and urged party members to resolve their differences internally rather than resorting to the courts.
Matiang'i outlined his plans to engage party members across the country, including grassroots leaders, to strengthen the party's structures ahead of the 2027 General Election. He emphasized Jubilee's founding principles of promoting inclusion in Kenyan politics and pledged to ensure the party stays on its original path. Kenyatta, who announced his intention to step down after the court ruling, has urged Jubilee members to embrace the new leadership.
Kenyatta will remain a member of the party and continue contributing within the limits of his new role. His office had previously stated that the handover was delayed due to an internal leadership dispute requiring legal clarity. However, the court ruling has cleared the way for the transition, which Kenyatta confirmed would be conducted in accordance with the law and Jubilee's constitution.
The leadership change occurs as Jubilee prepares for a new political phase ahead of the 2027 elections. Matiang'i is among the opposition figures positioning themselves for the contest. He has pledged to prioritize party unity and grassroots engagement as Jubilee navigates the transition. This change in leadership follows renewed political criticism of Kenyatta by President William Ruto.
President Ruto has accused Kenyatta of remaining active in opposition politics after leaving office. During campaigns in Siaya County, Ruto questioned Kenyatta's continued involvement in opposition politics, referring to him as a "rebel leader." Ruto argued that a former president should assume the role of a statesman instead. However, the court ruling does not bar Kenyatta from political participation.
The transition of leadership within Jubilee Party marks a significant shift in the party's dynamics. Matiang'i faces the task of uniting the party and preparing it for the 2027 General Election. The party's future and its role in Kenyan politics will be closely watched in the coming months.
Key points
- Matiang'i takes over Jubilee leadership after Uhuru Kenyatta's exit.
- The transition follows a High Court ruling restricting retired presidents from holding party positions.
- Matiang'i prioritizes party unity and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
