Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially handed over the leadership of the Jubilee Party to his deputy, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. This move comes ahead of the party’s upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC). Kenyatta announced his decision to step down from the helm during a meeting of Jubilee Party officials in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He confirmed that he will remain a party member while transitioning into a senior advisory role.
Kenyatta stated that he has decided to let his deputy take over the party leadership, urging party members to respectfully accept Fred Matiang’i as the new leader. He emphasized that he will still be a senior member of the party, offering advisory services. Matiang’i, who has been serving as deputy party leader alongside Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, accepted the new role and pledged to build upon his predecessor’s foundation.
The handover follows a September 14 High Court ruling that bars retired presidents from holding political party leadership positions beyond six months after leaving executive office. Kenyatta’s office clarified that the leadership transition had previously been delayed by internal party disputes requiring legal resolution, rather than a reluctance to relinquish control. This move is seen as a strategic step ahead of the 2027 General Election.
During the meeting, Kenyatta called on Jubilee members to put aside internal rivalries and maintain unity as the party reorganizes its political structures. He stressed the importance of unity, especially with the NDC approaching, which is expected to formally ratify the leadership transition. Matiang’i assured the party that he would maintain the movement’s momentum.
Fred Matiang’i expressed gratitude for the endorsement and pledged to build on Kenyatta’s legacy. As the new leader, he will be tasked with navigating the party through the upcoming elections and maintaining its relevance in Kenyan politics. Matiang’i’s experience as a former Cabinet Secretary is expected to be an asset to the party.
The leadership transition within the Jubilee Party reflects the dynamic nature of political parties in Kenya. With the 2027 General Election on the horizon, parties are re-strategizing and reorganizing their structures. Kenyatta’s decision to step down and assume a senior advisory role is seen as a move to ensure the party’s continuity and relevance.
The Jubilee Party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) is expected to formalize the leadership transition and set the party’s agenda for the upcoming elections. With Fred Matiang’i at the helm, the party is poised to navigate the changing political landscape in Kenya. Key to this will be maintaining party unity and capitalizing on Matiang’i’s leadership experience.
Key points
- Uhuru Kenyatta steps down as Jubilee Party leader, passing the mantle to Fred Matiang’i.
- The leadership transition follows a High Court ruling restricting retired presidents from holding party leadership positions.
- Matiang’i vows to maintain party momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.
