Matiang’i Takes Over Jubilee Leadership as Uhuru Steps Down

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has taken over the leadership of the Jubilee Party after retired President Uhuru Kenyatta stepped down from formal party office following a High Court ruling.

Kenyatta announced the transition saying Matiang’i, who had been serving as deputy party leader, would assume his role as Jubilee leader pending confirmation by the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC).

The leadership change follows a High Court decision upholding Section 6 of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which prevents a retired president from holding a formal political party office for more than six months after leaving the presidency.

The ruling does not prevent Kenyatta from remaining a Jubilee member or taking part in political activities.

Uhuru to Remain as Senior Adviser

Kenyatta said he would remain within Jubilee as a senior adviser and senior member, maintaining that the party remained his political home.

He asked party members to support Matiang’i as Jubilee begins reorganising its leadership and structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Matiang’i said he would work with other party officials and grassroots members as he assumes the new role.

He also urged Jubilee members to resolve internal disagreements through party structures rather than court proceedings and said he plans to engage leaders and supporters across the country.

The former Interior CS has taken an increasingly prominent role within Jubilee over the past year and had previously been appointed the party’s deputy leader.

Jubilee Enters New Leadership Phase

Kenyatta led Jubilee during its period in government between 2013 and 2022, first under the Jubilee Alliance and later the Jubilee Party.

The party has since faced internal leadership disputes, including competing factions seeking control of its structures after it moved into opposition following the 2022 election.

The latest handover marks a formal change at the top of Jubilee as the party prepares for its NDC and begins organising for the next general election.

Matiang’i’s position is expected to be formally considered by party delegates at the convention, while Kenyatta will remain involved in an advisory capacity rather than as a formal party office-holder.