Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday officially handed over the leadership of the Jubilee party to Dr. Fred Matiang'i, a move seen as a strategic shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. This development comes after the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party approved the changes. Kenyatta, however, will remain as the party's chief advisor. The handover ceremony took place at the party's headquarters in Nairobi.
Kenyatta emphasized that his decision to step down as party leader is not a withdrawal from politics but rather a move to comply with the law and prepare the party for the upcoming elections. He highlighted that he will continue to attend party meetings and offer advice as a senior member. The former President also expressed his support for Matiang'i, who has been endorsed as the party's new leader pending approval from the National Delegates Conference (NDC).
The leadership change in Jubilee comes after the High Court ruled that Kenyatta, as a former President, cannot hold an official leadership position in a political party for more than the legally allowed period. However, the court allowed him to remain a party member and participate in political activities. Matiang'i, who has already been nominated as the Jubilee candidate for the presidency in 2027, urged party members to work together with other opposition parties to strengthen their position in the upcoming elections.
Matiang'i outlined his vision for the party, describing 2027 as a year of collaboration and redefinition of Kenya's leadership. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the need for party unity and strategic alliances. The new party leader also paid tribute to Kenyatta for his role in shaping the party's future.
The leadership transition in Jubilee has not been without controversy. Some party members, including Deputy leader Jeremiah Kioni, had expressed interest in the leadership position, advocating for a more democratic process to choose the party's leader. Kioni and others like Ngunjiri Wambugu, a former Nyeri Town MP, insisted that the party's National Delegates Conference (NDC) should decide on the leadership.
Kenyatta also addressed the 2022 presidential election, defending his decision to support Raila Odinga, the candidate from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He disputed claims that he had been politically defeated by President William Ruto, arguing that his role was to support Odinga. Kenyatta reiterated his claim that Odinga won the election, despite the official results declaring Ruto the winner.
The move has elicited reactions from various political quarters. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has criticized Kenyatta's statements, suggesting that he has not accepted the outcome of the 2022 election. In contrast, Kenyatta maintained that he is focused on preparing Jubilee for the 2027 elections, emphasizing the party's need to field candidates for various positions and secure a strong coalition partner for the presidential race.
Key points
- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over Jubilee party leadership to Dr. Fred Matiang'i.
- Kenyatta to remain as party's chief advisor.
- Leadership change ahead of 2027 general elections.
