Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to his deputy, Fred Matiang'i, in a move ahead of the party's National Delegates Convention (NDC). This transition takes effect immediately, with Matiang'i set to formalize his new role at the NDC. Uhuru Kenyatta made the announcement during a meeting with Jubilee officials in Nairobi on September 22, 2026. He emphasized that this handover does not signify his departure from the party.
Uhuru Kenyatta clarified that he will remain a member of the Jubilee Party and continue to serve in a senior advisory role. He expressed his confidence in Matiang'i, urging party officials to accept him as the new leader. Matiang'i, who has been serving as Jubilee's deputy party leader alongside Jeremiah Kioni, accepted the responsibility. He pledged to build on the leadership provided by Kenyatta and promised not to let the party down.
The handover comes barely a week after the High Court upheld a provision of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act. This provision bars retired presidents from holding leadership positions in political parties more than six months after leaving office. However, the court also ruled that this restriction does not prevent former presidents from remaining members of political parties or participating in political activities.
Uhuru Kenyatta had previously indicated his readiness to relinquish the Jubilee leadership following the court's ruling. His office stated that the delay in the handover was linked to an internal leadership dispute. They maintained that the transition would be conducted in accordance with the party constitution. This move also follows internal competition over who should succeed Uhuru as party leader.
Jeremiah Kioni had earlier offered himself for the position and called for an open and lawful process for determining the party's next leader. Despite this, Uhuru Kenyatta chose to hand over the leadership to Fred Matiang'i. The leadership transition comes as Jubilee prepares for its NDC, with Matiang'i now set to take charge of the party's affairs.
With this handover, Uhuru Kenyatta will continue to play a role in the party, albeit without formally holding the leadership position. For Matiang'i, this development places him at the center of the party's preparations for the NDC and its activities ahead of the 2027 General Election. Matiang'i, a former Interior Cabinet Secretary, will be tasked with leading the party's efforts in the coming months.
The transition of leadership within the Jubilee Party reflects the party's efforts to adhere to legal and constitutional provisions. It also underscores the dynamic nature of political party leadership in Kenya. As the party prepares for the NDC, the focus will be on how Matiang'i leads the party and the impact of Uhuru Kenyatta's continued involvement in a senior advisory capacity.
Key points
- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over Jubilee Party leadership to Fred Matiang'i ahead of the National Delegates Convention.
- Uhuru Kenyatta to remain a senior member of the party, offering advisory services.
- The handover follows a High Court ruling on the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, allowing retired presidents to remain party members but not hold leadership roles.
