Photo Caption: Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks during the handover of Jubilee Party leadership in Nairobi on 22 September 2026.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has handed over the executive leadership of the Jubilee Party to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr Fred Matiang’i, marking a transition in the leadership of the political party he has headed for several years.
The transition was announced during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the Jubilee Party headquarters in Nairobi, with Kenyatta saying he would remain involved in the party in an advisory capacity.
The former President said the decision followed a recent High Court ruling concerning restrictions on retired Presidents holding leadership positions in political parties.
“I cannot leave Jubilee; to go where? This is my political home,” Kenyatta told party delegates.
He said his decision to relinquish the executive position was intended to comply with the court ruling while ensuring the party continued with its political activities and preparations for the next phase.
“While we wait for the National Delegates Convention (NDC) to officially ratify these changes, I ask you respectfully to accept Dr. Fred Matiang’i to take over the mantle and steer us forward,” he said.
Kenyatta said his continued involvement in Jubilee over recent years had been aimed at protecting the party from attempts to take control of its structures, while stressing that political institutions should outlive individual personalities.
He urged party members to support the leadership transition and strengthen Jubilee’s structures, saying the party needed to remain focused on its political objectives and the interests of its members.
The former President said his decision did not amount to abandoning Jubilee, describing the party as his political home and indicating that he would continue contributing through an advisory role.
Matiang’i accepts leadership
Matiang’i, who previously served as Jubilee’s deputy party leader, accepted the responsibility and thanked Kenyatta and party members for entrusting him with the leadership role.
“Your Excellency, with humility, I accept the appointment to oversee the Jubilee Party,” Matiang’i said.
He described the transition as a significant moment for the party and said the new leadership had substantial work ahead, including rebuilding party structures and strengthening unity among members.
“This is a difficult and emotional time, but we have a lot of work ahead of us. Hakuna haja ya matusi (There is no need for insults). We will focus on rebuilding standard by standard,” he said.
Matiang’i’s elevation places him at the centre of Jubilee’s efforts to reorganise its national and grassroots structures as the party prepares for the 2027 General Election.
The new leadership is expected to focus on strengthening party membership, revitalising grassroots networks and improving coordination among the party’s various organs.
Matiang’i is also expected to play a central role in shaping Jubilee’s political engagements with other parties and formations as political activity ahead of the 2027 elections intensifies.
Jubilee prepares for next phase
The leadership transition comes as Jubilee positions itself for discussions with other political parties and formations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party officials have spoken of the need for opposition parties to work together and build broader political cooperation, with Jubilee expected to participate in such engagements under its new leadership.
During the meeting, Kenyatta also criticised President William Ruto’s administration over its handling of the economy and its continued references to challenges inherited from the previous government.
He urged the current administration to focus on addressing the issues facing Kenyans rather than repeatedly attributing current challenges to the previous administration.
Kenyatta’s comments added a wider political dimension to the leadership transition, coming as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next General Election.
The changes announced at the NEC meeting will require formal ratification at the party’s upcoming Special National Delegates Conference, which is expected to confirm the new leadership arrangements.
The conference will provide the formal platform for Jubilee members to endorse the changes and clarify the party’s leadership structure going forward.
The handover marks a new chapter for Jubilee as Matiang’i assumes the party’s executive leadership, while Kenyatta remains involved in an advisory capacity.
The transition also places greater responsibility on the new leadership to consolidate the party’s structures, maintain internal cohesion and define its political direction as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
